Monthly Archives: September 2016

Dental Implants V Dentures

Posted on by

In the past, dentures were the only solution for anyone who had lost their teeth, but today there is another option – dental implants. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of replacing missing teeth, so which is the best choice?

Advantages of Dentures

If you have lost one or more teeth due to decay or damage, dentures are a suitable replacement. Made from cast metal and acrylic, dentures have a plastic base and teeth made from strong porcelain. Dentures can last for several years and are hard-wearing, enabling the wearer to eat a full range of foods confidently. Dentures are also the best option for anyone who has weak or unhealthy jaws or gums as in those cases, implants are not suitable. Dentures are also a cheaper alternative to implants and require no surgery.

Disadvantages of Dentures

Some people who wear dentures find that they slip or move out of place or make clicking sounds while speaking or eating which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Over time, dentures also have to re-aligned as the structure of the jaw and gums changes as part of the natural ageing process and there may also be an increased risk of decay in other adjoining teeth if the dentures are only partial. Some denture wearers also experience discomfort due to rubbing as the dentures move out of place.

Advantages of Implants

Dental implants are a durable and secure alternative to dentures. Made from metal and titanium, they are compatible with the body, being drilled into the jaw bone. A dental implant is much more stable than a denture as it is fitted into the bone in the same way as a natural tooth’s root. This allows the wearer to chew and speak efficiently with no slippage. Implants look much more realistic than dentures and there is none of the discomfort that many denture wearers experience.

Disadvantages of Implants

The process to fit an implant takes up to 8 months as it must fuse with the bone before the prosthetic teeth can be fixed in place. There is also a higher cost for implants and they may not be suitable for those who are known to grind their teeth during the night. Also, anyone who is afraid of undergoing surgery may wish to avoid having implants as an operation is required to fit the implant into the jaw bone.

Overall, although there are some disadvantages to choosing implants, for anyone who is looking for a stable, effective and natural looking way to replace their missing teeth, they are the perfect solution.

 

Are Cosmetic Dental Treatments Costly?

Posted on by

Cosmetic dental treatments have become more popular over recent years, with increasing numbers of people striving to achieve a more attractive smile. There are numerous benefits of cosmetic dentistry and a broad spectrum of treatments which can be carried out at a range of prices to suit all budgets.

Veneers

Veneers are one of the best ways to restore the appearance of cracked, chipped, worn or stained teeth. They are also a good way of improving the look of crooked teeth and disguising any gaps. There are several types of veneers including Lumineers which are made from very thin porcelain, Da Vinci veneers and MAC veneers which are made from a strong ceramic that is especially resistant to staining. Veneers cost around £350 to £450 per tooth.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments in the UK today and is often the preferred corrective choice for those who have stained teeth. A professional bleaching treatment is applied to the teeth by a qualified cosmetic dentist with further treatments being applied at home. There are also laser whitening treatments available, however this is more expensive than the conventional bleaching option. The cost of tooth whitening can range from £300 for a basic treatment up to £1,000 for one of the more advanced alternatives.

Tooth Straightening

For those with crooked, crowded or tilting teeth, professional tooth straightening is the ideal solution. While veneers may improve the look of some crooked teeth, for other patient’s, orthodontics is required to achieve the best results. While traditional metal braces are one option, today it is possible to opt for Invisalign braces which are virtually invisible and which are a lot more convenient for adult wear. This treatment can cost from £1,000 to around £8,000 depending on the chosen method, practitioner and region of the UK.

Crowns, Caps and White Fillings

For anyone with broken or badly chipped teeth, a cap or crown could resolve the problem. In this treatment, the tooth is covered by a porcelain crown or cap which restores the appearance of the tooth. For patients with small gaps or chips in their teeth, white composite fillings can be used to give the teeth back their previous look. White fillings can also be used to replace existing amalgam fillings for a more natural appearance. White fillings can cost from £95 per tooth, while the price of a crown starts at £400 each.