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FAQ Category: DENTURES

Prosthodontics

  • Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. After a healing period, prosthodontists place crowns, bridges, or dentures on the implants, providing a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Dental implants not only improve your smile but also help preserve the bone structure of your jaw.

All-On-4 in Houston

  • All-On-4 is a dental implant technique that uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This approach is ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one jaw.

FULL MOUTH DENTAL IMPLANTS IN HOUSTON

  • The full mouth implant procedure is performed under conscious sedation to ensure a comfortable procedure. Post operative discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with oral medications. The prosthetic phase of treatment is usually painless.

  • The treatment time to complete full mouth dental implants can vary depending on the individual.  It typically involves multiple stages including implant placement, at least a four month healing period. The overall treatment may take several months after implant healing is complete.

  • Full mouth dental implants an excellent treatment choice for most patients, however there are some factors which increase patient’s risk of failure.  These risks include lack of bone density or volume, poor overall health, and smoking.  It is important that a potential implant candidate be thoroughly evaluated for potential issues that could shorten the typical long term prognosis.

  • Traditional dentures rest on and are supported by gum tissue.   The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth and some level of suction can be developed for retention.  It is generally not possible to develop suction in a lower denture because of the smaller surface area as compared to the upper.  Additionally tongue movement tends to upset the denture. Implant-stabilized restorations offer superior chewing ability and are more like natural teeth.

  • Full mouth dental implants, also known as full arch dental implants or implant supported dentures, are a treatment option for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth.  This treatment involves a full arch prosthesis that is supported by multiple implants.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

  • There is no doubt that a beautiful smile and better chewing ability will increase your self-esteem and help you succeed socially.

  • Dental Implants can be used to support crowns or bridges with a life feel and appearance. They can also support dentures that you don’t have to remove.

  • Crowns and Bridges supported by dental implants can be lifelike in shape and feel to the real thing. Restorations made by an expert like Dr. Mark Stankewitz will not interfere with your speech. Denture wearers typically struggle with speech problems because of the increased bulk and the lack of retentiveness. Dentures supported or retained by dental implants don’t interfere with speech as much because of they are less bulky and have little or no movement during speech or chewing.

  • Missing teeth can mar on otherwise beautiful smile. Dental implants can provide a stable and long lasting tooth-like replacement to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

DENTAL FILLINGS

  • Dental fillings used to restore small areas of decay can be expected to last for many years.  The larger the filling, the shorter the long term prognosis.

  • Dental fillings are one of the most inexpensive dental procedures.  Typically, fillings are charged according to the number of surfaces of the tooth that are restored.  Fillings are generally less that $500.  Dental fillings are not indicated for restoring large areas of tooth structure because they are not strong enough and dental crowns may be a better choice.

  • Dental fillings usually only take one visit to complete. At the start of your treatment visit, Dr. Stankewitz will completely anesthetize your tooth so that you will be completely without pain.  After removing all decay, the uncured filling material will be added and shaped to the cavity and a high intensity white light is used to harden it. Your visit can be expected to be about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

  • Dental fillings are an inexpensive way to fully restore small areas of your natural teeth.  The translucency of this resin material blends with your natural teeth so well that it can be invisible.  Dental fillings can also rebuild the strength of you natural tooth because of its unique bonding ability.

  • Dental fillings are tooth colored resin that can be used to restore small areas of tooth decay.  This material can be bonded to your natural tooth to restore its natural contour, beauty, and strength.

DENTAL CROWNS

  • Dental crowns bonded to natural  teeth are very strong and can be expected to last 10 to 15 years before they need replacement.  However, just like natural teeth, crowns can crack and chip which could shorten their lifespan.  Clenching or grinding your teeth can create a risk of fracture if you don’t wear a night guard.

  • Dental crowns can cost up to $2000 per tooth.  When comparing dental crown costs between general dentists and those of a prosthodontist one can expect to pay a higher fee in a specialist office.  The most expensive dental work that patients pay is work that has to be done twice, so be careful in choosing crowns based on initial costs alone.

  • You can expect to be relatively pain free during your dental crown procedure because your tooth will be completely anesthetized. 

  • Dental crowns typically take two visits. One visit to prepare the tooth, take a mould and to make a temporary crown and a second visit to seat or bond the crown to the tooth.  It takes laboratory time to make each crown by hand and during the few weeks between appointments, you will wear a temporary or provisional acrylic crown. Crowns can be made in one day by machine but the result isn’t the same as if it were made by skilled hands in the laboratory.  Keep in mind that if you need multiple crowns, the procedure is more complicated and may require more visits.

  • All crowns are virtually the same in that they cover the entire tooth above the gumline.  The difference lies in the myriad of materials that crowns can be made of.  Porcelain fused to gold, as well as all ceramic crowns dominate modern prosthodontics, but  no one material is best for every situation.  Prosthodontists are experts at determining which material your particular tooth requires.

DENTAL BRIDGES

  • Well designed dental bridges typically provide patients with decades of service but there are several factors which can cause a bridge to fail prematurely.  If your teeth or implants supporting the bridge are not healthy,  if you clench or grind your teeth, or if you smoke, then your bridge may not give you a long service life.  

  • The costs of dental bridges is based on the time required to fabricate the prosthesis.  Typically bridges that replace more missing teeth take longer to make and therefore are more costly that bridges that replace only one tooth.   Bridges to replace front teeth are also generally more expensive that those that replace back teeth because the esthetic factor is more important in visible areas of the mouth.

  • The most important steps in dental bridge treatment is a thorough examination and a proper diagnosis. Only then can a detailed treatment plan be made that will insure an outstanding clinical result. After careful analysis of your individual circumstances, it can be determined what kind of bridge would be best for you and what materials would be best to make it from.  Sometimes preparatory work may be necessary prior to starting bridge treatment.  If your bridge is to be supported by implants, then implant placement and healing may take several months before your bridge can be started.  If your bridge is supported by natural teeth, you may need treatment to improve the gum tissue surrounding your teeth prior to bridge fabrication. After your new bridge is fabricated and checked for proper fit and integration into your mouth, it is  permanently fixed in place.  It is critically important that you understand how to care for your bridge so that you have a good long term result.  This and more can be discussed with you at your consultation visit.

  • Dental bridges can be fabricated of many different types of materials including high strength ceramic or porcelain fused to gold.  Each material has advantages appropriate for different circumstances.  Dr. Stankewitz has over 35 years of experience providing beautiful, lifelike bridges and he can determine which material is right for your situation.

  • Only  a thorough exam including models of your upper and lower jaw as well as  detailed x-rays can determine if a dental bridge is right for you.  It’s important to determine if there is an adequate volume of bone surrounding the anchor teeth or implants to support the replacement teeth of your bridge.  

FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION

  • A well planned and executed full mouth reconstruction can have a good long term prognosis.  Many of our patients experience decades of comfortable eating and smiling.  

  • Comprehensive and extensive dentistry for the failing dentition is the most expensive procedure that a patient can face in the dental office.  Total case costs can vary but range up to 50 or 60 thousand dollars.  The most important thing for prospective patients to remember is that it has to be done right the first time.  Remaking complex reconstructive dentistry is even more expensive and may not last as long.

  • Many times patients ask if extensive treatment such as a full mouth rehabilitation can be treated in stages or even one tooth at a time.  Unfortunately, due to the complexity, the best way to approach treatment is in a coordinated way where upper and lower arches are completed together.  This ensures that each tooth mates with its opposing tooth properly and functions perfectly when you chew.  Additionally, the shapes and shades of your reconstructed smile can b e made in uniform way with less chance of discrepancies.

  • Because of the complexity of this type of dental treatment, a long and detailed plan with the final outcome in mind is required before the commencement of any treatment.  Unique qualifications and experience of a prosthodontist are necessary and you can be sure that Dr. Stankewitz will take every step necessary to insure the best possible outcome.

  • Full mouth rehabilitation is a complex cascade of treatment that is tailored to each individual.   The outcome must be esthetic as well as functional to restore the mouth to complete health that can be maintained for years to come.

DENTAL BONDING

  • Dental bonding takes less time for completion but the result does not last as long as restorations that are made of more durable materials such as porcelain and high strength ceramics.  Typically most dental bonding will need replacement in 5 to 7 years depending on the biting forces placed on them.  These restorations to no retain the high luster as do dental porcelains.

  • Dental Bonding Cost in Houston is typically a lower cost procedure that other cosmetic procedures because it is usually complete in less time and does not involve the fabrication of laboratory produced restorations.  Most bonding starts at approximately  $500 per tooth and fees are generally structured according to the time required to complete the procedure.

  • Dental bonding typically takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours per tooth to complete.  As long as no decay is present, patients rarely need anesthesia.  The tooth area to be bonded is first cleaned with an air abrasion device that sprays a sand-like material and then a series of chemicals is applied to make your tooth adhere to the bonding resin.  After application of the resin, it is hardened with a high intensity light.  The bonding is then sculpted and polished so that it is virtually indistinguishable from the natural tooth structure.

  • Dental bonding is tooth colored resin material that adheres to tooth structure,  It is transparent and blends nicely with the existing shade of your teeth and additions to your teeth can be almost invisible to the eye.  As an aded benefit, the bonding procedure can be completed in only one dental visit and unless there is decay present, anesthesia is not necessary.  Unlike crowns and veneers, dental bonding can be completed without substantial removal of your natural tooth structure.  A disadvantage of dental bonding is that the material can chip, fracture, or wear in areas of high bitging force such as on back teeth.  Bonding is primarily used on front teeth since biting pressure is lower than on back teeth.  Bonding is not as durable as other cosmetic dental procedures such as crowns or porcelain veneers and can stain from tobacco and red wine.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

  • The average Veener Cost Houston can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the type of veneer, the size of the piece, and the complexity of the procedure.

  • Porcelain veneers bonded to the enamel of teeth are very strong and can be expected to last 10 to 15 years before they need replacement.  However, just like natural teeth, veneers can crack and chip which could shorten their lifespan.  Patients who clench or grind their teeth and don’t wear a nightguard cannot expect a good long term result with porcelain veneers.

  • Porcelain veneers can cost up to $2000 per tooth.  When comparing veneers costs between general dentists and those of a prosthodontist one can expect to pay a higher fee.  The most expensive dental work that patients pay is work that has to be done twice, so be careful in choosing veneers based on initial costs alone.

  • Porcelain veneers can be made out of several different ceramic materials.  Pressed glass is the most common type and the individual coloring is painted on the outside of the veneer before firing in a high temperature furnace.  These types of veneers are strong but can appear somewhat monolithic.  The most expensive type of porcelain veneer is made of hand layered feldspathic porcelain and has color and depth that is difficult to tell from a natural tooth.  The color of these veneers comes from deep within the veneer.

  • Of course, every patient’s perception of pain is different, but the majority of patients do not find the clinical procedures required for porcelain veneers to be painful. Typically only .5mm of the tooth enamel is removed to make room for the porcelain veneer and other than some vibration, you can expect to feel very little discomfort during all of the procedures.

  • Your first dental veneers appointment should be one that includes photographs of your existing condition, accurate moulds of your teeth, and a discussion of what you would like in creating your new smile.  There should be a follow up appointment to discuss the treatment plan and fees and to determine if your expectations can be achieved. Your third visit would be to prepare your teeth and make a mould for your new veneers.  Provisional veneers will also be placed to serve you until the final veneers are made. The final visit is to bond in your approved veneers.

DENTURES

  • Machine made dentures don’t have the beautiful esthetics that are typical of those made by skilled hands.  Digital dentures have become popular because laboratories can produce dentures in high volume. The best dentures are handmade by an experienced prosthodontist.

  • Since dentures don’t have any natural teeth to attach to, upper dentures rely on primarily suction to stay in while the lower dentures stay in with a careful balance between the tongue and the facial muscles.  Both upper and lower dentures require an adequate amount of remaining bone and tissue for stability. As most patients have the most difficulty chewing and speaking with lower dentures, two or more dental implants can make a world of difference. Dentures can be made to be retained or supported by dental implants.  These types of dentures can be either removable by the patient or non-removable. The non-removable type can be removed only by the dentist.

  • Dentures made by a specialist in prosthodontics can be expected to be very natural and lifelike and most people will not be able to tell that you don’t have natural teeth. Well made dentures will replace not only your missing teeth but also the lost gum and bone structure that support your facial features.  This is why dentures can help you regain your natural appearance and give you a more youthful smile.

  • In addition to conventional dentures which rely on suction and tongue and cheek muscles for retention, implant supported dentures can be made which are patient removable and non- removable designs.  Patient-removable designs still have the pink lip supporting flanges and provide the easiest cleaning.  Non removable denture designs have abbreviated pink flanges to provide for oral hygiene access.  Both types of implant dentures feature improved speech and chewing ability over conventional dentures.

  • Prosthodontists specialize in treating patients who need replacement of missing teeth and are experts in fabrication of removable and non removable dentures retained or supported by dental implants.  They have at least 3 years of additional formal training beyond that of a general dentist. They can be expected to provide consistently high quality treatment results because of their knowledge and experience.

SMILE MAKEOVER

  • A Smile Makeover Cost in Houston can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to what a new car might cost! The cost is dependent on what kind of treatment may be necessary to accomplish your cosmetic goals. Some patients patients expectations can be met with simple treatment such as teeth bleaching and dental bonding but others may require extensive and expensive treatment that could take a year or more to complete. The best way to know the best treatment and financial investment for your unique situation is to have a complete smile evaluation with Dr. Stankewitz.

  • Smile Makeover treatment time can only be determined after a through exam including radiographs, models, and photographs of your teeth and are unique to your dental situation. Treatment can take as short as a few visits to up to a year or more depending on which procedures are needed to accomplish your goals. If your goals can be met with simple whitening and dental bonding it would take much less time than for example if orthodontic treatment were necessary to correct your bite prior to other cosmetic procedures. Every persons cosmetic expectations are different so the best way to get started is to schedule and exam with a cosmetic expert like Dr. Stankewitz.

  • Improving your smile can have profoundly beneficial physical and psychological effects.  When you look better, you can’t help but feel better about yourself.  When you feel better, you can be more successful in your personal as well as business life. If your looking for a more youthful and attractive appearance, consider scheduling a consultation today to learn more about how a customized smile makeover can benefit you!

  • A smile makeover is a combination of two or more cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or crowns.  Proper blending of these procedures can produce exceptional results for an outstanding smile design.  Dental bonding can be used in areas of low biting force such as your front teeth. A longer lasting result can result from porcelain veneers and can be a better financial investment.  Crowns are used when there is a loss of substantial tooth structure or in areas of high biting force such as the back teeth. Whitening can be used with any of these other procedures to enhance the brilliance of your teeth.