If you have had filings, decay or have suffered trauma and wish to improve the appearance of your smile, then there are several options that are available. Two options are those of crowns and dental implants. So what is the difference between the two treatments? Below we explain why and when you should have a crown or dental implant.

Crowns

Crowns are often referred to as a cap and this perfectly describes their role. The crown acts as a cap to cover the tooth. The crown is made from strong acrylic and looks very much like a natural tooth. Crowns are used for a variety of reasons. When a tooth has suffered severe decay and there is not enough tooth left to bind a filling to it, then a crown is the next obvious choice. Another reason for using a crown include teeth that are discoloured, broken teeth due to trauma and uneven teeth. Crowns help to preserve the tooth that is left and look aesthetically pleasing. It is very important that good levels of oral hygiene are maintained when caring for a crown, as you need to preserve the tooth that is underneath the crown as well as the teeth that are situated either side.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial root that replaces the root of a natural tooth following decay or trauma, when the tooth needs to be removed. This is different to a crown, as the crown is simply the top part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. An implant is the actual root that sits in the jawbone. Having a dental implant is more invasive than having a crown fitted, as the dental implant needs to be inserted into the jaw bone, where it will fuse and act as a natural tooth. This will then create a sturdy root and a solid foundation for a replacement crown, denture or bridge. Dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth. As they are secured firmly into the jaw, they will not move or rub the gums like dentures.

Crowns v Dental Implants

So to summarise, a dental implant and crown have very different jobs to perform. The crown is used for cosmetic reasons and to preserve what is left of a natural tooth. Dental implants are used when there is no longer a viable tooth, due to injury, decay or trauma. The implant acts as a support for a false tooth that includes crowns, bridges and dentures.

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.

Your dental implant questions answered

Each and every single year, millions of us take advantage of cosmetic dentistry procedures to completely overhaul and upgrade their smile.

And while there are all kinds of different procedures out there to help individuals do exactly that, a significant amount of people are opting to take advantage of dental implants do not only boost the overall appearance of their smile but also repair and restore the health of their teeth as well.

One of those rare cosmetic dentistry procedures that aren’t just an aesthetic solution, but instead a structural and health-based one as well, these are considered to be “wonder solutions” for a lot of people looking to boost their smile but also one that millions and millions of dentists absolutely love as well.

If you’re thinking about taking advantage of dental implants but aren’t sure of what they are, what their advantages and disadvantages are over other options, what the procedure is like to have them implanted, and how much they’re going to cost (amongst other questions), hopefully you’ll pay close attention to all of the details included below.

You’ll get answers to each and every one of those questions as well as a bunch more!

As always, if you are seriously interested in having each and every one of your dental implant questions tackled, if you’re going to want to speak with a dentist or dental professional in your area that can give you personalized answers for your specific situation.

In the meantime, though, check out all of the details we have for you below!

What exactly are dental implants?

Dental implants have been around for more than two decades, though they’ve never been quite as effective or as well made as they have been in the last five years.

Essentially a tooth replacement solution, dental implants are rock solid, incredibly durable, and provide for a ridiculously strong and reliable platform for full teeth to be affixed.

A lot of people believe that dental implants are false teeth themselves, and while they are a critical part of the false teeth or replacement teeth solution, the implants themselves are simply threaded metal rods or knobs that are implanted directly into an individual’s jaw.

Then, after a block of time has passed to allow for proper healing and any adjustments have been made, false teeth will be permanently affixed to that base, creating a completely seamless replacement that looks a lot better than any other option on the market today.

The beautiful thing about dental implants is that they offer such a picture-perfect replacement aesthetically, but there’s also a number of other serious benefits and advantages that they bring to the table.

What are the advantages of getting dental implants?

Obviously, we’ve already touched upon the fact that dental implants are far and away the most “lifelike” of all the tooth replacement solutions on the planet right now. They look EXACTLY like your teeth, and it’s going to be absolutely impossible for anyone (and we mean ANYONE) to know that you’ve had dental implants installed unless they are carefully examining your mouth with dental instruments.

And even then it’s not a surefire thing!

That’s how great they are at hiding a tooth or teeth replacement procedure!

At the same time though, here are a couple of other major benefits and significant advantages that dental implants afford you:

You won’t ever have to worry about any speech problems caused by “new teeth” your mouth isn’t used to because of poor fit

You’re going to be a lot more comfortable with dental implants because they fit in the same footprint as your old tooth or teeth, taking up no extra space

They’re going to give you full confidence when you’re chewing and eating because they are basically a 1:1 to through placement

They’ll boost your self-esteem dramatically, as they will immediately increase the aesthetics and appearance of your smile (especially since you can customize your smile with these replacements)

They’ll last for decades – or even longer – with proper care and regular cleaning

They’ll never pop out of your mouth accidentally, and you’ll never have to worry about losing them, because they are permanently affixed just like you are traditional teeth are

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

When you combine those advantages with the fact that dental implants also help to protect the teeth that are still in your head and support the overall structure of your jaw, you’re talking about a winning solution here.

Honestly, you’d have to be at least a little bit crazy not to take advantage of legitimate dental implant solutions if you ever need to upgrade your smile, replaced teeth that are on their way out, or fill in the gaps of teeth that have already been removed.

This kind of dental procedure is just head and shoulders above all others.

Are there any disadvantages to dental implants?

There are a couple of drawbacks to moving forward with dental implantation procedures, but none of them deal breakers in any way whatsoever.

Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) a dental implant procedure won’t “seat” the way it’s supposed to, and will require a removal and replacement before a permanent tooth can be affixed. This can increase the amount of time that you are dealing with a “flapper” – or removable tooth that fills in the gap while your post is healing, but other than that it’s not really a big deal.

Also, dental implants can get a little bit pricey – but only really if you’re going with the older and more outdated “full post” solutions. Today, micro dental implants cut the cost of this procedure dramatically, while at the same time ridiculously shortening your recovery period.

If you decide to go with dental implants, make sure that you ask your dental professional if you’re going to be able to take advantage of micro implants.

What exactly does this process of dental implantation involve?

Well, each dental implantation procedure will be different on a case-by-case basis (for obvious reasons), but the general path and process of implantation is relatively similar and straightforward across the board.

First of all, any teeth that need to be removed will be removed, and then those injuries will be allowed to heal for a block of time. Once the healing process is well underway, your jaw will be tested and inspected to make sure that it can support full size dental implants or micro implants, and once that is taken care of you’ll begin the process of actual implementation.

Drills will be brought in, small holes will be made in your jaw, and these implant posts will be “screwed in” to those holes so that it creates a locked in and seamless kind of solution. These posts will now act as the root of your teeth, and then (after a recovery period of a couple of weeks or so) you’ll have a permanent tooth installed on top of that post.

How much should I expect to pay for dental implants?

It’s absolutely impossible to predict with any accuracy exactly how much you’re going to have to pay for dental implants.

This kind of procedure varies widely from region to region, but also from office to office within the same regions.

If you’re looking to have this work done, you’re going to want to make sure that you speak to a number of cosmetic dental professionals in your area (as well as dental surgeons) to get a feel for the “going rate”, and then try to negotiate for the best deal.

As a general rule of thumb though, you can (and probably should) expect to spend anywhere between £1500 and £4000 or so per dental implant.

How do I find a certified professional to handle my dental implantation?

The best way to find a top-of-the-line professional in your area (or anywhere that you’re willing to travel) to perform this kind of dental work on you is to take advantage of all the power and leverage the Internet has to offer, specifically looking for leading cosmetic dentistry experts and dental surgeons that have a track record for successful procedures.

Spend a couple of hours researching different practices, looking at before and after shots, and really getting a feel for the options out there. Then, and only then, will you know whether or not you’ve made the right decision.

Is there anything else I need to know about this dental procedure?

At the end of the day, there are a lot of different options to help you dramatically improve your smile.

Make sure that you’re working with dental professionals you trust, respect, and have a lot of confidence in, and don’t be shy about outlining your expectations ahead of time to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

It also might be a good idea to lock up financing ahead of time (if you’ve needed), as financing through a dental office can get very, very pricey when the interest starts to add up.

What Are All on 4 Implants?

Getting a better smile has never been easier, no matter what kinds of problems you may be suffering from. That’s because medical technology has made more options available than ever before. So if you’ve wanted an improved smile in the past, but thought you weren’t a candidate, think again. Today, with the help of Dr David Cashel, an experienced Glasgow dental implantologist, let’s explore how All-on-4 implants could help you smile with more confidence.

How They Work

All-on-4 implants work like dentures, except that they provide a permanent solution. The teeth screw into your jaw, thereby assuring they’ll never pop out, a problem many denture wearers have to worry about regularly. Despite the fact that they screw into actual bone, they are a great solution for those who don’t have jaws that could otherwise receive implants. That’s because bone can be transplanted that then makes this area available once more.

Only four implants made from titanium are needed to then establish an entire custom bridge for the rest of the teeth. These “pillars” work to support all the other teeth you need for a full, beautiful smile.

A Permanent Solution

Again, one of the great things about using All-on-4 implants is that they provide permanent teeth that will always stay in place. This also means you can get back to brushing as you normally did prior to your dental concerns arising. No more dental glue, no more denture solution at night. Just use a toothbrush like your normally would and your new smile will beam just as bright as any other.

Comfortable Implants

Another big advantage is the fact that these dentures will not press down or otherwise rub up against your gums. Many people who wear dentures constantly complain about the way this application causes pain in their mouth. Ultimately, they find themselves having to choose between the smile they always wanted and constant discomfort. Unfortunately, this irritation is common to other solutions too.

But because of the way All-on-4 implants are installed, your gums feel no pain and after a little while, you’ll hardly know they’re there at all.

Won’t Interfere with Eating

For those who have worn dentures, mealtime can be more of a challenge than something to enjoy. Dentures can shift, allowing food to become stuck and trapped. They can also make it difficult to chew. Many people find that their dental work interferes with their ability to grasp the full taste of their food as well.

This doesn’t occur with All-on-4 implants though. In fact, you’ll experience the taste and even the temperature of your food just like everyone else does. Obviously, you never have to worry about food getting stuck below these permanent implants either.

They’re Not Just Good for Your Smile

With All-on-4 implants installed, you’ll have a hard time not constantly smiling throughout the day. But the nice thing is that the way these dentures are applied will also help your overall facial features too. They’ll be restored to the normal shape they had prior to losing any of your teeth. This will only serve to boost your confidence even more.

They’ll Prevent Bone Deterioration

Like we mentioned earlier, All-on-4 implants are a great way to get your smile back, even if you’ve had significant damage done to your jawbone over the years. Once they’re in, though, they’ll also help ensure that further deterioration doesn’t occur. You’ll find that these dentures actually go a long way toward protecting your jawbone more than other options ever could.

If you could use a whole new smile, then All-on-4 implants are definitely worth looking into. Not only do they look great when installed, but you’ll get to enjoy all the above options and many more.