Are Dental Implants for You?

One of the hottest topics in dentistry today is the use of dental implants. Implants have certainly revolutionized the field of tooth replacement. If you are considering dental implants for missing teeth, you need to know the facts. There are pros and cons of dental implants that are carefully weighed by your dentist before surgery can be scheduled.

Research continually shows that dental implants are the best long-term solution to replace missing teeth. However, like any type of surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Cons of Dental Implants

No procedure is right for everyone, including dental implants. While there are some risks associated with dental implants, they are relatively mild. The disadvantages include:

1. You have to meet a set of requirements

In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria. As the procedure involves anchoring the implant to your jaw bone, if you’ve experienced significant bone loss as a result of losing teeth, there may not be enough for the dental implant to be successful. You also have to be in good health so your jawbone can fully recover.

2. The cost of the procedure

While dental implants are the best long-term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost-effective. However, dental implants are well worth the price for the comfort, confidence, and natural feel they give you.

3. The procedure can be lengthy

Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed. Your dentist will then need to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. Once the anchor has been fitted, you’ll need to wait several months while it heals and the surrounding bone grows. The final stage of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

While there are some drawbacks to dental implants, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

1. They look and feel like natural teeth

Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth. Implants also won’t feel any different from your regular teeth. Since the implants are anchored to your jaw, they’ll feel just as strong as your regular teeth too.

2. You can eat and chew with ease

Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you can eat what you want! Whether you fancy crunchy snacks, chewy foods, or hot or cold drinks, you can eat and drink without concern — just remember not to overdo the sugary treats.

3. Dental implants can last a lifetime

Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.

4. They’re easy to take care of

You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and a healthy diet.

5. They prevent bone loss

Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.

You can see that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. Dental implants have been proven to be a great option for people who suffer from tooth loss. We always want to make our patients look and feel great, and dental implants are a great way to do that. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, so contact us today!

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Understanding Oral Microbiome Communities

The idea of billions of microbes and bacteria living in your mouth may seem like a scary thought. In reality, these microscopic entities work hard to create a symbiotic environment for both them and you. Around 300 different species of microbes live in your mouth, all working in harmony to create communities called biofilms. Depending on your eating habits and oral care, this may or may not be a good thing. Biofilms left to develop with little oral care and poor eating habits can lead to an excess of bad bacteria, throwing off the balance of your entire oral microbiome. Various health conditions can be traced back to an upset microbiome, from infected gums to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you never know what could be affected by a dirty mouth. In this blog, we discuss how to improve your oral microbiome.

How Diet Affects Your Oral Microbiome

• Just like us, microbes need to eat, making the mouth the perfect home. This also means that whatever you eat, your microbes eat too.
• According to an article by the Genomic Medicine Group, when we eat foods with high amounts of added sugar and refined flour, certain microbes in the mouth convert those sugars to acid. The newly created acid then erodes tooth enamel and overwhelms the mouth with bad bacteria.
• Via your saliva, this bad bacteria can easily travel to your gut, enter your bloodstream, and affect other areas of the body.

Maintaining a Healthy Oral Microbiome

• Doctors recommend controlling the amount of sugary/processed foods you consume and insist on a daily oral care regimen that includes brushing twice a day, flossing, drinking plenty of water, and receiving regular dental checkups.
• Fluoride treatments can be used for advanced cases but it does run the risk of inhibiting good bacteria along with the bad.

At the end of the day, a healthy microbiome does not depend on getting rid of all of the bad and only having healthy bacteria. The truth is that your oral microbiome needs a ton of diversity to perform how it’s supposed to. As long as you manage your sugar intake and take daily care of your oral health, your microbiome will flourish and your mouth will be better for it!

Learn More About How to Maintain Your Oral Health Contact Harriman Family Dental

Dentures: What Is Your Best Option? 

Many aspects need to be considered when choosing which type of dentures you want and require. With three different types of dentures available to you, there are advantages and disadvantages for all. So, let’s go over all your options and figure out which one will suit you best. 

Traditional Dentures

The traditional denture has been used for many centuries. Traditional dentures are no longer considered to be up to the standards of care since dentures have become so mainstream in dentistry. Traditional denture users will have a significant loss of bone and gum support, which will result in facial drooping, sagging skin, and the look of early aging. The following are a few benefits and drawbacks:

Advantages:

• The least expensive of the three types
• Can look nice
• Better than having nothing

Disadvantages:

• Hard to eat with & they move around a lot
• Can feel bulky in your mouth
• Large loss of taste and temperature sensations due to the roof of the mouth being covered
• Needs frequent realignment and repairs

Implant Snap-On Dentures

The most popular choice for people seeking to replace their missing teeth is the implant snap-on denture. Compared to a traditional denture, this option snaps into place and is far more stable, less bulky, and doesn’t cover the roof of your mouth. For simple cleaning, the denture can be taken out. Additionally, the use of implants stops future bone loss, early aging, and facial drooping. The following are the benefits and drawbacks of this form of denture:

Advantages: 

• The most affordable implant option
• Huge upgrade over traditional dentures
• Prevents bone loss and premature aging
• Improves ability to taste things

Disadvantages:

• Still has some movement
• Comes out at night

Implant-Supported Permanent Teeth

Implant-supported dentures are a full set of upper or lower teeth that are permanently attached to dental implants and are screwed into dental bridges. This option is the closest we have to the feel and function of your own teeth. These bridges may not be removed by you, only your dentist. Of all the alternatives, this bridge has the most natural-feeling bite and chewing characteristics. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Made of strong material
• Natural feel
• Best biting and chewing function
• Stays in the mouth all the time

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to clean
• Will require maintenance over time
• Most expensive option

Speaking to your dentist about the best option for you and your lifestyle is important. If you have any more questions about the differences between these options and what the process may look like, contact Harriman Family Dental in Harriman, NY. We’d be happy to help you regain your smile.

Enhance Your Smile with Invisalign® Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide

Invisalign® has transformed the landscape of orthodontic treatment, providing a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. The clear aligner system enables individuals to improve their smiles without the discomfort often associated with braces. While Invisalign® treatment offers an aesthetically pleasing solution, it’s crucial to consider various factors when choosing orthodontic treatment. Our dentists at Harriman Family Dental recommend evaluating your individual situation before making a decision. In this guide, we’ll explore the effectiveness of Invisalign® in addressing specific orthodontic issues.

Invisalign® Treatment for Common Concerns

1. Crooked Teeth

Invisalign® excels in treating crooked teeth, offering a practical solution to align teeth and enhance your smile discreetly.

2. Overbite & Underbite

Addressing both overbites and underbites, Invisalign® can reposition either the top or bottom teeth to achieve proper alignment with the mouth closed.

3. Crossbite

Invisalign® effectively corrects crossbites, ensuring that teeth align correctly when the mouth is closed, preventing misalignments in the back or front teeth.

4. Gaps in Teeth & Crowded Teeth

Whether you have gaps between your teeth or experience crowding, Invisalign® is a versatile solution. It resolves gaps and overcrowding, promoting optimal oral health.

Considerations and Limitations

While Invisalign® is an excellent option for various orthodontic issues, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. In some cases, traditional braces may be more suitable, especially for severe orthodontic problems, intrusion, and extrusion. It’s worth noting that Invisalign® has evolved over the years, now capable of addressing more complex situations than before.

To determine if Invisalign® is the right choice for you, we recommend consulting with our experts at Harriman Family Dental. Contact our Harriman, NY, office for personalized guidance on achieving your ideal smile.

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