Call Us: (267) 763-1500

261 Old York Rd, Ste 517, Jenkintown, PA 19046

  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Michael Weiss
    • About Our Staff
    • Reviews
    • Financial Policies
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
    • What Can I Expect My First Visit?
    • Patient Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeovers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Zoom Whitening
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Gallery
  • The website of Dr. Michael Weiss
  • Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • Dentures
    • Implant Overdentures
    • Facial Collapse
  • Other Services
    • Dental Crowns
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • e.max Crowns
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist
Banner image on site front page
Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Can I Get Dental Implants Instead of Dentures

Posted on June 15, 2022 by writeradmin.

I have to replace all my teeth and my dentist wants me to get dentures. I asked him if I can get dental implants instead, but he said because I previously had gum disease that is not possible. Is there any way around this? I really feel too young for dentures. I’m only 42 years old.

Paula

Dear Paula,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

 

I am sorry you are having to go through this at your age. Before I answer your question I have one of my own. You said you previously had gum disease. Does that mean you have already undergone treatment and no longer have periodontal disease? If that is the case and you are otherwise in good general health then there really should not be a reason you could not have dental implants. If you currently have gum disease, you will need to deal with that first.

It is possible you will need to have some bone grafting done, depending on how much bone structure you lost during your period of gum disease. That can be done outpatient.

Dental implants are an advanced procedure and it really requires that a dentist has post-doctoral training. Often, when a dentist is telling a patient that they can’t have a procedure it is because they are not comfortable doing that procedure. Don’t pressure your dentist to do it, though. There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients who had the procedure done by dentists without the necessary additional training.

Look for a dentist who has training at one of the following institutions:

  • The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
  • Dawson Academy
  • The Kois Center

Why Dental Implants Are Important

When your teeth are removed, your body immediately begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use those resources in other places in your body that may need them more. It does this because you no longer have any teeth roots there so there is no need for the bone to support the teeth. While an efficient way to manage your body’s resources, it has the unfortunate side effect of shrinking your jawbone. After around ten years, it will become difficult for you to keep your dentures in. Shortly after that, it will be impossible. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse.

At your young age, this would be devastating. Having dental implants placed causes your body to recognize there are still “roots” there for your teeth. Because of that it will leave your jawbone intact.

When you are talking about removing all of your teeth, it is common practice to get implant-supported dentures, also called implant overdentures. This uses between four to six dental implants and then anchors your dentures to them. That amount of dental implants will both secure your dentures and provide the protection you need from facial collapse.

One other word of caution. Make sure your dentist has the cosmetic skills to provide you with beautiful dentures. Look at their smile gallery to see what type of work they do.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Filed Under: Implant Overdentures Tagged With: dental implants, dentures, facial collapse, gum disease, implant supported dentures, the problems with dentures

Should I Keep My Last Two Upper Teeth?

Posted on May 2, 2022 by writeradmin.

After more problems with my teeth than I care to elaborate on, I am going to be left with most of my lower teeth and only my two front upper teeth. My main question is, would I be better off with removing those two teeth and getting dentures on my upper arch or keep those two teeth and work around them with partials? Those two teeth are healthy, but I cannot get a dentist to give me a good opinion one way or the other. I keep hearing, “Do whatever you want.” But, what I want is to know the best case scenario. I don’t really find the partial dentures very comfortable. I keep them out and mostly chew with those upper two teeth unless it is something that is too difficult for just those. But, if natural teeth are best I can keep doing it.

Ben

Dear Ben,

Illustration of dental implant overdentures

Implant Supported Dentures

You’re in quite a spot. In most circumstances, it is better to save your natural teeth. However, this situation is a bit different. Your upper teeth are going to hit those lower teeth when you’re chewing. Additionally, you are using those teeth more than usual and carrying the duty of the other teeth. I would not expect them to stay healthy at that rate. Dentures will be a little easier on those teeth, so that will work out well for you.

I did say in most circumstances it is better to keep your natural teeth, but that is more urgent if you are talking about lower teeth, not upper teeth. When your lower teeth are removed, it is more serious. This is because when your bottom teeth are removed, your body senses that and begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body where you will get more use out of them. The big problem with that is that your jawbone slowly shrinks as a result. If you place dental implants in your lower jaw, it helps to preserve the bone. Without that, you will eventually not have enough jawbone left in on your lower jaw to keep your dentures in.

For upper dentures, that bone is not as essential because they are held in by suction. I would say, in your unique case, you would be better off removing those last two teeth. You’ll be much more comfortable and able to eat a bit better. Of course, getting implant-supported dentures is always better and will increase your quality of life, especially your chewing capacity. But, they are more expensive.

One thing to note. Whether or not you choose the removable dentures or the implant supported dentures, you will want them to be attractive. Make sure you see a dentist who creates beautiful smiles. One easy way to do that is to look on mynewsmile.com, They screen cosmetic dentists for their technical and artistic ability.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michasel Weiss.

Filed Under: Dental Implants Tagged With: dentures, implant supported dentures, missing teeth, problems with dentures

Can My Smile Be Pretty after Dentures?

Posted on June 19, 2020 by writeradmin.

Around 30 years ago, I lost all my teeth. My dentist never mentioned dental implants so I don’t think that was an option. I have a friend who has them and her smile is so much prettier. Plus, she can eat anything she wants. I don’t know which I’m longing for more, but I think it is a pretty smile. If I got dental implants now, could they be as pretty as her smile?

Alice

Dear Alice,

Illustration of a dental implant next to a natural tooth
I’m so sorry you have been going through this for so long. It is not the dentures that are the reason your smile doesn’t look pretty to you. Both dentures and dental implants can be beautiful giving you a smile you are proud of. The problem lies in the artistic skills of the dentist. My guess is your dentist thirty years ago had good intentions but not the skill. I truly wish he would have mentioned dental implants to you. They were available then and it would have made the last 30 years significantly more pleasant for you. However, that is water under the bridge and all we can do now is go from here.

There’s one obstacle you will face when it comes to dental implants— the aftermath of facial collapse. When your teeth were first removed, your body decided without the roots of your teeth you no longer needed the minerals in the jawbone that are used to help retain your teeth. After all, they are already gone. Slowly, that leeches your jawbone away. After 30 years, I’m guessing you are having quite the time keeping those dentures in any more.

As you can see from the image above, like your teeth, dental implants need bone to keep them secured in your jaw. There is a solution to this, though. There is a bone grafting procedure that can build that missing bone structure back up for you. Once that is done, you will be right as rain for dental implant again.

How to Get that Beautiful Smile

As I mentioned earlier, it is the dentist who does your procedure that determines how beautiful your smile is. You need a dentist who is both qualified to give you dental implants along with the artistry to make the dentures that anchor to them beautiful. My suggestion is you start by looking for an AACD accredited dentist. These are proven artists when it comes to dental work. You will finally have that smile you have always wanted and you can share it while you eat some steak!

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Filed Under: Dental Implants Tagged With: AACD accredited dentist, dentures, getting a beautiful smile, implant supported dentures

Are Implant Overdentures Permanent

Posted on August 31, 2019 by writeradmin.

I need to replace my dentures, but this time I’m looking for something that stays put and is permanent. My dentist only does dentures and can’t help me figure out what’s best. I keep hearing dental implants are better than implant overdentures, but overdentures are more affordable. Are the overdentures permanent like the implants?

Morgan

Dear Morgan,

Implant overdentures

Implant overdentures are a combination of dental implants and dentures

I’m afraid you are getting some mixed information. Implant overdentures use dental implants. The reason they are considered more affordable is because with a traditional dental implant you are using a single implant with a dental crown on top. You are talking about replacing every tooth, as I’m assuming you had complete removable dentures. To put a dental implant and crown on every single tooth would have an astronomical cost, as it would require 32 implants.

To make that more affordable implant overdentures use around six dental implants per arch. Then a set of dentures are anchored to the implants. They are definitely permanent and stable. Like all dental implant procedures, their biggest benefit is that they protect you from facial collapse.

Implant Overdentures and Facial Collapse

When your teeth were removed for your dentures, your body recognized you no longer had any teeth roots in your jawbone. In an effort to be efficient, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body where it perceives the need to be greater.

This has the unfortunate result of shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, you won’t even have enough jawbone left to even keep your dentures in. Getting dental implants prevents this because the implants themselves stand-in for your tooth roots, allowing your body to recognize there are still “teeth” there.

Depending on how long you have had your dentures, you will have lost some jawbone. There is a chance you won’t have enough jawbone left to secure dental implants. If that is the case, you can still get that treatment option; however, you’ll need to have one additional procedure done. Bone grafting can build up the bone loss in order for you to get the best procedure.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Filed Under: Implant Overdentures Tagged With: bone grafting, dental crowns, dental implants, facial collapse, implant supported dentures, problems with dentures

Meet Dr. Weiss

Learn more about Dr. Michael Weiss, his credentials and philosophy.

About Dr. Michael Weiss

Smile Gallery

See the smiles he has created and imagine yourself with a beautiful new smile just like one of these.

Dr. Michael Weiss Smile Gallery

Patient Reviews

I moved to Pennsylvania 2 years ago. I don’t know anyone who likes to go to the dentist. This is one dentist I like to go to. He is personable, professional and extremely skillful. If you become lucky to get into his care you are going to highly benefit. It isn’t just an office visit but specific care and information to extend the life of your dental health. Dr. Weiss and his staff do everything possible to put you into your best smile and health.
Jack
I am in my 50's and have seen a good number of top notch dentists. Of those, Dr. Weiss is in a league above. Besides being meticulous and thorough, he and his staff are gentle and concerned with every aspect of the patient's comfort. You will not find any dentist that is more skilled.
Wayne
Dr. Weiss gave me a smile makeover with porcelain veneers. The procedure was absolutely comfortable and my teeth look so natural. I love how they look!! People are always complimenting me on my beautiful smile. Dr. Weiss’s expert eye with color and attention to detail make him the finest cosmetic dentist I know.
Linda
Dr. Weiss and his team are outstanding. They are thorough yet gentle, and take great care to ensure you are comfortable. Everyone in the office is highly skilled, professional, and kind. I trust his work and advice completely. Lovely office that puts you at ease the moment you enter.
Mary
I'm a long-time patient of Dr. Weiss and was hesitant about doing crowns on my six upper front teeth. No more! I am so happy with my smile transformation! Dr. Weiss performed wonders. I have my confidence—and my smile—back.
Eileen
After having trouble with previous dental work, I researched 8 dentists to fix it and came to Dr. Weiss. He is in a league of his own. The work he did for me is nothing short of perfection. On top of that, he takes the time to explain everything. Furthermore, he is accredited by the AACD and if you do your research, you will realize that this is no small achievement.  
Charles
Dr. Weiss is very caring & thorough with his patients. The staff is highly trained & friendly. Dr. Weiss strives for excellence & delivers it with each visit. My husband & I are very happy to have found such a wonderful dentist!
Janet
Everybody in Dr.Weiss’ office is highly professional and extremely competent. Your wonderful work and results speaks for themselves. Also your warm and friendly manner is very much appreciated
Irene
Previous Testimoinals More Testimoinals
Contact
261 Old York Rd, Ste 517
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone
Call Us: (267) 763-1500
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Friday: 8am – 12pm
Follow Us
Facebook
Instagram
Reviews
Google
Yelp
Facebook
Michael Weiss logo on website

©2015- 2023 Michael Weiss, DDS Cosmetic Dentistry • All rights reserved
Website Design and SEO by Infinity Dental Web IDW Copyright Logo

  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Best Dentist in Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Accredited Cosmetic Dentist
  • Jenkintown Affordable Dental Implants
Menu
Mobile logo for Dr. Michael Weiss Phones Icon of a telephone
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Michael Weiss
    • About Our Staff
    • Reviews
    • Financial Policies
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
    • What Can I Expect My First Visit?
    • Patient Forms
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeovers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Zoom Whitening
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Gallery
  • The website of Dr. Michael Weiss
  • Implants
    • Dental Implants
    • Dentures
    • Implant Overdentures
    • Facial Collapse
  • Other Services
    • Dental Crowns
    • Porcelain Crowns
    • e.max Crowns
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • TMJ Dentist
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Mercury-Free Dentist