Cosmetic dentistry has brought many a smile to the faces of many people who have any number of dental problems by helping them to overcome these problems. Cosmetic dentists are absolutely the right type of practitioner who needs to be consulted when people need solutions to their dental problems that may be the result of the discoloration of teeth, missing teeth, chipped teeth, or broken teeth.
The solutions can be provided in the form of dental implants, removable cosmetic dentures, fixed dental bridges, and other procedures.
The most common procedures of cosmetic dentistry among these that most people choose are removable cosmetic dentures and fixed dental bridges.
Artificial devices that are used to replace missing teeth are known as dentures and they are supported by the surrounding hard and soft tissues within the mouth. Removable dentures have been in use in various forms over several thousand years. Early dentures were made out of everything from animal or human teeth, wood, and porcelain. It wasn’t until the 20th century that acrylic resins and plastic were used.
Fixed Dental Bridges
When a person first sees a cosmetic dentist, his options are explained to him in order to enhance his appearance and dental structure. The immediate result of this consultation frequently leaves the patient wondering which mode of treatment is best for him, removable cosmetic bridges or fixed dental bridges. Although fixed dental bridges are the porcelain replacement of the teeth that must be placed adjacent to healthy teeth, removable cosmetic dentures are acrylic replacements for which it is not necessary to have any kind of abutment.
Another important point regarding the difference between the two dental restoration solutions is that fixed dental bridges are only capable of replacing one to five teeth whereas removable cosmetic dentures can replace all the teeth if it is necessary. The absolute best person to help a patient make this decision is the cosmetic dentist because they are the ones who know the dental health of the patient and can, therefore, guide the patient as to whether he should opt for removable cosmetic dentures or fixed dental bridges.
In order to make this determination, the cosmetic dentist will usually advise the patient to have a complete dental examination was done which involves detailed X-rays in order to determine the jaw’s teeth, and gum’s condition. It is very necessary for the patient to understand that the teeth that have been lost need to be replaced by either removable cosmetic dentures or removable dental bridges because the empty space will not only spoil the natural arrangement of the other teeth but will also cause problems during the daily activities of speaking and eating.
When comparing the benefits of fixed dental bridges and removable cosmetic dentures, one important consideration is the expense and the fact is that the cost of removable cosmetic dentures is much less than fixed dental bridges.
There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. Fixed dental bridges have the advantage of providing a more natural smile and the disadvantage of being more expensive. Removable cosmetic dentures provide a less attractive smile but are relatively inexpensive.
Dental implants or Dentures
When there is a choice — dental implants or dentures — you should first determine what goals are pursued in this case. The question of choosing a method of replacing missing teeth sometimes is hard for solving without a professional dental examination. When choosing between dentures and dental implants, remember that dental implants are more expensive, time and forces consuming for patients.
The adequacy of a dental implant procedure depends on the specific situation and the patient’s dental health. Dental implants can be treated as a “cosmetic dental procedure” in dentistry because dentures in most cases can replace it functionally.
The main contraindications relate to the most labor-intensive way of dentures — implant-supported dentures, they require more time, effort, and patience. Indications and contraindications to dental implant procedures are set on the basis of medical history, examination, and evaluation of the psycho-emotional condition of the patient.
The indications of dental implants are:
- single defects of dentition (without preparation of healthy adjacent teeth);
- included defects in the dentition (without preparation of teeth limited to defects);
- terminal dentition defects (allow putting non-removable dentures, implant-supported dentures);
- the complete absence of teeth (allows for implant-supported dentures or provides a more secure fit of removable dentures).
Relatively small defects in the dentition are the indications of dental implants.
There are many contraindications to dental implant therapy, significantly greater than to dentures, so contraindications to dentures serve respectively as contraindications to dental implants.
Contraindications to dental implants may be absolute and relative. Absolute contraindications are directly related to health. They may occur during the dental implant procedure itself or in the form of various complications at different periods after it, as well as shorten the life of a dental implant. Relative contraindications are related to the nature and limitations of systemic disorders that may not affect in a pure form the process of integration of dental implants and depend on the corrective treatment before dental implant surgery.
Absolute contraindications to dental implants
- Chronic disease (tuberculosis, rheumatic disease, diabetes, oral diseases, stomatitis, etc.).
- Blood diseases and blood-forming organs diseases
- Skeletal system diseases, reducing its regenerative capabilities.
- Central and peripheral nervous system diseases
- Malignant tumors during the period of special treatment and some time after its completion.
Relative contraindications to dental implants
- Periodontitis (acute and subacute forms).
- Malocclusion and increased abrasion of teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene habits and lack of maintenance.
- Precancerous and tumor diseases of the mouth and jaws.
- The presence of metallic implants in other areas (screws, wire joints, artificial joints, heart valves, cardiac stimulator, etc.)
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Bruxism (teeth grinding, especially at night).
- Anatomical features of jaw structure, excluding the possibility of dental implant procedure (bone atrophy, impacted teeth, etc.), which requires bone reconstructive surgery.
- Temporary contraindication is pregnancy and lactation.
Social contraindications to dental implants
- Negligent attitude to health, smoking, regular alcohol use, irregular meals, drinking coffee in large quantities.
- The nature of professional work – heavy exercise, extreme and traumatic sports.