Once the new year has been ushered in, many of us tend to think about what we can do to improve our lives in the months to come. What better aspect of yourself to focus on than your smile? Particularly if you’ve been living with uncomfortable and ill-fitting dentures for a number of years.
Here at Corner House Dental, we offer dental implants, which can replace dentures to give a more permanent and tooth-like result. Treatments such as single dental implants and All-on-4 in Norwich can be life-changing for patients who are either missing teeth, or who would like to find a more sustainable treatment to conventional dentures. We can’t recommend dental implants enough; they’re a ground breaking treatment that function like real teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are false tooth roots, made from titanium – a material that’s extremely compatible with the human body. With dental implants, it’s possible to keep the jawbone healthy and they make it much easier to eat tougher foods than if you were to have conventional dentures in.
Conventional dentures – the pitfalls
Traditional dentures have been and remain a popular and cost-effective way of replacing missing teeth. Whilst the dentures of today are a vast improvement on the dentures of 10 or 20 years ago, they don’t make contact with your gums and therefore can’t ever be a permanent treatment.
The wonderful thing about dental implants is that they merge with your jawbone after your dentist surgically places them. This vital connection means your jawbone is protected against shrinking away – something dentures can’t achieve on their own.
What about false teeth and implants together?
Some of the most amazing developments in dentistry have occurred over the past 30 years, one such being the conception of the All-on-4 implants system. For patients with multiple missing teeth, it’s not only cost-effective, but allows them to reap the benefits of what it means to have dental implants.
All-on-4 uses 4 or 6 implants to support a whole arch of teeth. Because the implants are carefully positioned at exact angles in the mouth, they’re able to reliably support a set of custom made set of false teeth.
Why choose All-on-4 to replace missing teeth or dentures?
Here at our dental practice in Norwich, we’ve seen many a patient experience life-changing benefits, thanks to All-on-4. Here are a few reasons why it’s an excellent choice of treatment for replacing missing teeth:
‘Teeth in a day’: the All-on-4 system is proceeded by the slogan ‘teeth in a day’, as patients have the benefit of receiving a temporary set of false teeth after their very first appointment. So, you won’t have to suffer whilst you wait for your permanent bespoke teeth to be created!
No need to remove at night: unlike traditional dentures, All-on-4 implant secured teeth don’t need to be removed. In fact, you can look after them just as you would normal teeth, but make sure you pay particular attention when brushing and flossing around the implant sights.
Love your food again: with a new set of teeth, you’ll be able to eat properly and without any inconveniences. Since your palette will no longer be covered by your dentures, you will have a greater ability to taste a variety of foods, and foods that are more subtle in flavour.
Improve your whole facial appearance: loss of teeth and jawbone can lead to some quite dramatic changes to your face shape. All-on-4 implants willensure your cheek area doesn’t hollow out, and that your chin doesn’t begin to protrude as a result of jawbone recession.
One of the most notable things about All-on-4 implants is that it’s suitable for patients who don’t have sufficient bone for single dental implants. In instances where a patient doesn’t have enough bone for single dental implants, a procedure called a bone graft can be performed to build up sufficient healthy bone to support the implants. Whilst this will eventually result in you being able to have the procedure, it can delay the process by several months as the jawbone needs additional time to heal.
Why isn’t a bone graft needed with All-on-4?
The amazing diagnostic technology that accompanies the All-on-4 process makes it possible to identify the areas of jawbone where there is enough bone density to place the 4 or 6 implants.
As many people with ill-fitting dentures and missing teeth will fall victim to jawbone loss, All-on-4 is often the most viable solution for them. All-on-4 will also ensure the necessary chewing pressure can take place, stimulating the jawbone so that it can stay healthy.
The investment of a lifetime
As dentists we may be bias, but we believe teeth are precious. They deserve the utmost level of TLC, and in affording them this, your teeth will reward you with the ability to smile confidently and to eat wonderful foods. If you’re on the fence as to whether or not to replace missing teeth due to financial reasons, we can offer 0% finance here in Norwich to help you spread the cost of treatment.
Looking for a dentist in Norwich to replace missing teeth? Contact our experienced team at Corner House Dental, who can discuss your options during a consultation appointment. We look forward to welcoming you.