If you are looking for a relatively easy solution to replace your missing death, regain your confidence and give you a smile that makes you look and feel good again then tale a look at how cosmetic dentures have moved on in recent years.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices which are designed to replace all or some of your teeth. Dentures don’t just improve appearance and personal confidence but provide facial support and have a working function in that they restore people’s ability to chew certain foods. It has been said that dentures are the dental industries answer to a face lift!
With an increased interest in cosmetic dentistry, denture technology has significantly moved on in recent years with dentures being designed for comfort and natural appearance. Current technology enables dentists to provide you with dentures that actually blend in with your features taking on the appearance of your natural teeth.
Long gone are the days when dentures are seen as belonging to someone who has passed their sell by date. New and exciting cosmetic dentistry advancements means that your dentist can provide you with natural teeth that everyone will think are your own. Dentures now fulfil their intended function enabling you to enjoy your food, be proud of your smile and remain blissfully unaware that you are sporting false teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry now enables you to design and choose your dentures alongside your dentist, making you feel part of the whole process and helping you to contribute towards your final perfect smile. You can now wear your dentures with pride safe in the knowledge that you look and feel good.
I doubt few people will disagree that despite recent denture advancements dentures still take some getting used to with initial speech issue to overcome (very short term) and the possibility of mouth irritation and sores (normally being as a result of poor denture hygiene).
However, unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures, dentures are suitable for most people although there are some instances where your dentist may advise an alternative route with one being if you lack saliva as a result of a dry mouth.
When you first loose your teeth you will be provided with immediate dentures which will help you through those early months when shrinkage and changes in your bone structure and gums will occur. Your main denture plates will be created approximately 9-15 months after your teeth have been extracted and the relatively stable structure of your bone and gums can be used to create the mould.
It can sometimes prove difficult to keep lower jaw dentures in place in which case your dentist may advise the use of mini implants to help keep your denture in place. Mini implants are much less invasive as full tooth implants and can usually be placed into the jaw within an hour allowing you to walk out with your dentures safely snapped into place.
Don’t make the mistake of many and assume that dentures last for life. Even if you have a full plate you will still need dental care. Cosmetic dentures aren’t designed to last for ever and the American Dental Association recommends that you replace your dentures every 4 – 7 years. Dentures wear out and can become loose and ill fitting. Old dentures can cause gum irritation, facial pain, reduced ability to chew, digestive problems and in some instance can cause pre-cancerous mouth and gum lesions. If you have worn the same dentures for a long period of time your denture problems can’t always be completely fixed so always go down the safe route and get your dentures checked on a regular basis.
Unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures your new dentures should be covered by your dental insurance. The cost of dentures is significantly less than many other cosmetic dentistry procedures with the prosthetic plates costing as little as $500 with an upper limit of around $2,000 – $3,000. In addition to the cost of the denture you will also have to pay your dental fees which are likely to range between $400 and $1200 per plate.
Teeth are those little seemingly insignificant creations that, on the face of it, don’t appear that important until you loose them! Luckily for you and the innovations in cosmetic dentistry, if you’ve learnt your lesson the hard way, there are still lots of things you can do to replace lost teeth and protect those teeth that you still have left.
If you have failed in your dental care routine, lost teeth due to health issues or had an accident that has left you somewhat lacking in the tooth department then checking out cosmetic dentistry options is the right way to go.
There are several procedures available for replacing missing teeth not all of which are suitable for every patient so you need to get checked out by a good cosmetic dentist.
o Dentures can be used to replace any number of missing teeth from one to a complete upper and lower jaw. Dentures are generally the cheapest option and the most likely cosmetic dentistry choice if you are seeking dental insurance support for your dental reconstruction.
o If you are looking for a more natural result from your cosmetic dentistry then a dental bridge might be an answer. A dental bridge can be used to replace one or more teeth (but not really an option for a significant number of teeth) and is effectively a false tooth or teeth held between two crowns or a cheaper option is to attach a wire to the back of adjoining teeth to fix the false tooth in place (the cheaper alternative is only a viable solution for front teeth).
o Another alternative open to you is a dental implant (tooth implant) which is unlikely to be covered under your dental insurance but a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that leaves you with a completely natural looking smile. A dental implant is a more invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves a pin being fixed into the jaw (requires good bone structure). Once the pin is securely in place a dental crown is used (as a cap) to replace your missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants can be used for a complete dental reconstruction but is extremely costly.
o If you are just missing the top half of your tooth then a dental crown is a good way to go and for a even more natural look use the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry by combining a dental crown with a dental veneer.
Whatever method you choose make sure you use a recommended cosmetic dentist with the relevant expertise. A dentist that performs cosmetic dentistry procedures (for your particular problem) in volume and is a recognised and respected dentist in his field of cosmetic dentistry is far more likely to give you the best result at the best possible price.
Chipped, stained, and malformed teeth – nobody wants them, but many people have them. The good news is that now there are treatment options for chipped, stained, and malformed teeth. By consulting with a cosmetic dentist, you will learn about the treatments available so you can make the best decision for you. Veneer or bonding treatments are typically suggested during consultations since these common techniques are easier and less painful than placing a crown.
All About Bonding
This process is simpler and less expensive than veneers for repairing a damaged tooth, so it is usually the first recommendation of a cosmetic dentist. The process includes spreading a white composite resin that is made of plastic and has a paste consistency on top of the damaged tooth. The substance can be colored for a custom match to your other teeth, making the repair look natural.
The oral care expert first applies a chemical to the damaged tooth in the process. This chemical makes the existing enamel rough so the material will stick to the tooth’s surface when applied. After the bonding material is applied, a special light is used to cure the material and applies additional layers when necessary. The material is flexible, so it allows the cosmetic dentist to put his artist’s skills to work, shaping the material and shining it until it looks completely natural.
Since bonding doesn’t require any anesthetic and is performed fast, it is less expensive than veneers. A dental expert can even bond more than one tooth in the same sitting and the patient has no recovery period.
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to bonding. It only lasts five to ten years, while a veneer should last twenty years. Therefore, the long-term expense often exceeds the short-term savings when looking at choosing between the two treatments. The plastic stains easier than natural teeth, so patients have to consider the effects of their favorite foods, especially with front teeth.
And Now About Veneers
Veneers are actually a thin layer of porcelain or acrylic material that sits over your natural tooth, giving an improved appearance. The process of veneering starts with the freezing of the affected tooth and then grinding down the enamel. After making a mold and impression of the grounded down tooth, a laboratory manufacturers the veneer. After receiving the veneer from the laboratory, which typically takes a few days, the oral care professional roughens the surface of the tooth, applies a special type of composite resin cement, and places the veneer over the damaged tooth.
Patients have to be careful about certain foods, like blueberries and red wine, because of problems with staining. The tooth underneath the veneer is still subject to cavities and decay, so regular dental checkups and dental hygiene are a must. While veneers cost more, there is no typical fee. Consult a cosmetic dentist for an estimate for a true vision of the costs involved.
Both veneers and bonding can be performed by a Miami Beach cosmetic dentist or in any other major city. Several factors can determine the best treatment for you, including the kind of damage and repair, the amount of time you have to wait for repairs, and your budget. By consulting with a dental professional, you will be able to make an educated decision about the treatment best for you.