All-on-4 vs. Dentures (A New Smile in A Day)

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                                                           All-on-4 vs. Dentures

If you’re looking at tooth replacement options, it’s important to make the right choice. You want to be able to smile, eat, and speak comfortably and normally for the rest of your life. Two common options are traditional dentures and All-on-4, or implant-supported dentures.

Traditional Dentures

Despite calling them traditional, modern dentures are nothing like the ones from the past. Some of the early versions were carved out of wood, making them uncomfortable and poor-fitting. Today’s dentures are custom made from fine porcelain and soft acrylic to offer the most realistic and comfortable experience possible.

Traditional dentures are designed to be easily removable. The arch of the jaw supports them and their surfaces rest directly on the gums. This makes it very easy to take them out for cleaning and sleeping. It also means less complication for oral specialists while making adjustments for fit.

Regular dentures are also less expensive than many other options. Lots of insurance policies cover all or most of the cost of the prosthetic, which is important if you’re concerned about the cost of your tooth replacement.

All-on-4

All-on-4 implants are a different option for tooth replacement. Traditional dentures are not completely stable because they rest on the surface of the gums. Most people need to apply some sort of adhesive to keep their dentures in place throughout the day. Sometimes they can slip while eating or speaking, which can be embarrassing.

All-on-4 dentures actually anchor to small dental implants, rather than relying on the surface of the gum. The posts are made of titanium, making them extremely durable and safe for use in the mouth. These implants are carefully embedded into the jaw during a surgical procedure. Four of them are placed within the mouth, depending on your personal needs. Once the fixtures are healed and secure, your implant-supported dentures can anchor to them, providing incredible stability. Only four posts are necessary to support an entire set of teeth, hence the “All-on-4” name.

All-on-4 treatment eliminates movement and prevents jaw atrophy, meaning you’ll be able to maintain maximum function and retain the shape of your jaw line. They may also enhance confidence because they are so secure and don’t require removal for cleaning and sleeping.

If you’re not sure what type is right for you, call and schedule an appointment with Solace Oral Surgery today. We’d love to discuss your oral health and go over your options in depth.

www.SolaceOralSurgery.com

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

             
                                             The Importance of Dental Hygiene

If you visit your dentist regularly, you probably hear a lot about dental hygiene. After all, the brushing and flossing they recommend is designed to keep your teeth and gums looking (and smelling) fantastic. Oral hygiene, though, is about more than just keeping your smile clean and breath fresh. It also has a significant impact on overall health.

Nutrition

Your mouth is the first part of your digestive system, so it only makes sense that your oral hygiene has a bearing on overall nutrition. Strong teeth are crucial to eating many healthy foods, such as apples, carrots, and nuts. If you don’t maintain your dental hygiene you could experience inflamed gums, cavities, and infected or lost teeth. All of these issues make it more difficult to enjoy wholesome, fresh foods. You could end up filling yourself with soft, junky foods instead. Chewing problems can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal failure, among others medical conditions.

Infection and Diseases

Poor oral hygiene is also linked to some infections and diseases. Cardiovascular disease, for instance, may be related to the bacteria caused by oral inflammation. New research is constantly being done to determine the exact linkages between such conditions.

There are indirect effects of poor dental hygiene, as well. For example, if you have an infection in your mouth, it weakens your entire immune system and makes you more susceptible to other sicknesses. Serious cases of oral infection may potentially lead to sepsis.

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy requires proper attention. The most important thing to develop is a maintainable routine. It’s not good enough to brush only a few times a week; brushing needs to occur at least twice per day. Make sure you’re spending about two minutes brushing, or you might not remove all of the plaque and bacteria. To simplify the process, set a timer or play your favorite song.

Other steps to good oral hygiene include:

•   Flossing at least once per day, being careful not to damage the gums.

•   Using a mouthwash after eating.

•   Avoiding excess sugar or overly sticky foods, such as caramel.

•   Brushing after eating sugary or grainy meals that may embed themselves in tooth grooves or existing cavities.

One of the most important ways to protect your dental hygiene is by visiting your dentist on a regular basis. She will be able to check for warning signs and future problems, while giving your teeth a deep cleaning.

If you need help and guidance on this, give us a call! 

Solace Oral Surgery www.SolaceOralSurgery.com