When we talk about replacing missing teeth, the conventionally used options are removable dentures and teeth bridges. While these options have been used for many years to replace missing teeth, they have drawbacks. For example, removable dentures do not completely restore one’s ability to chew food and are prone to staining and fracture. Similarly, tooth bridges require the removal of healthy tooth structure from the supporting teeth for their attachment. More importantly, both these options had a limited service lifetime. 

But, thanks to modern dentistry, a newer tooth replacement option is available, which is not only highly durable but also restores one’s chewing and speech efficiency, giving them a naturally beautiful smile. So say hello to dental implants!

Which Is Better, A Dental Bridge, Dental Implant, Or A Gap?

Let us consider what will happen if we don’t replace a missing tooth. As soon as a tooth is lost, the bone around it starts to degrade very fast, resulting in changes in one’s facial appearance. Secondly, the opposing tooth and the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth begin to creep into the gap, resulting in spacing between the teeth and misalignment. So, leaving a missing tooth unreplaced is not a good idea.

Now, let us discuss which is better; a bridge or dental implant. A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that rests on adjacent supporting teeth and fills the vacant gap using dental crowns. So, dental bridges require natural tooth removal. On the other hand, dental implants are embedded directly within the jawbone, just like natural teeth. As a result, they remain firmly anchored and support the prosthesis – such as a crown, denture, or bridge – that is attached to them. Furthermore, an implant is highly durable and safe for use in the oral cavity. In fact, an implant can last for a lifetime if it is looked after properly, So dental implants are better than bridges when it comes to tooth replacement. 

When Would You Chose A Dental Implant Or A Bridge?

The latter should always be preferred when choosing between dental implants and teeth bridges. Why, because dental implants offer lifelike aesthetics, are durable, and restore one’s ability to eat and speak without difficulty. The only case when dental implants may not be suitable is when one is suffering from bone disease or has recently undergone cancer radiation therapy. 

How Permanent Are Dental Bridges?

Like other dental prostheses, dental bridges have a limited lifespan. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average life of teeth bridges is about 5 years. However, their life can be enhanced significantly if they are looked after properly through oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkup visits. 

Can You Replace An Old Dental Bridge With An Implant?

Yes, it is possible to replace a bridge with an implant-supported prosthesis. However, the implant will only replace the missing tooth. But, the tooth structure removed from the healthy supporting teeth will need to be restored with a filling, with or without a crown. To fill the gap created by the missing tooth, your dentist will insert an implant that supports a zirconia crown.  

Which Is Better, An Implant Or A Bridge If You Have Poor Gums?

Neither an implant nor a bridge is suitable for tooth replacement when there is underlying gum inflammation. In fact, dentists do not perform any treatment in the presence of gum disease. Instead, they will first treat the periodontal disease with oral hygiene instructions and professional teeth cleaning and only then proceed with tooth replacement with a bridge or an implant-supported prosthesis. 

Are Implants Better Or A Bridge For A Molar Replacement?

Molars are our back teeth that are used for grinding. These teeth receive very heavy biting forces. Hence, your dentist will use a sufficiently strong and durable prosthesis to replace a missing molar tooth. Therefore, the best option to replace a back tooth is an implant-supported zirconia crown and not a bridge. Why? First, bridges need healthy tooth removal from the supporting teeth. Secondly, bridges are not as strong or durable as dental implants. So, implants are a better option for replacing molar teeth. 

Can Dental Implants Cause Gum Disease?

Dental implants are made of high-quality titanium, highly durable, safe, and non-allergic. However, dental implants require the same oral hygiene care as one’s own teeth. If oral hygiene around dental implants is ignored, food impaction tends to occur around the implant-oral soft tissue margin, leading to an inflammatory condition called peri-implantitis. Such a condition can even lead to implant failure. Hence, optimal oral hygiene must be maintained around implants to avoid soft tissue inflammation. 

Can You Get Dental Implants If Your Gums Are Infected?

It is not advisable to get dental implants with underlying gum disease. This is because gum disease causes the bones to degrade. As a result, they cannot anchor the implant and its prosthesis, leading to implant failure. The best practice is to treat gum disease first and then proceed with implant therapy. 

Can Food Particles Get Lodged Between Implants And The Gums?

If oral hygiene maintenance is ignored, there are chances that food particles may get trapped between the implant and the oral soft tissues, causing inflammation. Therefore, oral hygiene around implants must be maintained through brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkup visits. 

Is There Any Age Factor For Dental Implant Treatment?

Dental implants are generally placed in patients who have already grown all their permanent teeth, and their pubertal growth spurt is over. Apart from that, there is no upper age limit for getting implants. So you could get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in your 80s or 90s, provided you’re in good health. 

Are you fed up with your uncomfortable dentures or teeth bridges? If yes, it is time to say goodbye to them and say hello to a beautiful and lasting smile with dental implants. If you live in Solihull, Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Centre is your best option to get your teeth replaced with dental implants. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a smile you genuinely deserve. 

Pearly white and sparkling teeth are an essential component of an attractive smile. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people who have beautiful teeth and charming smiles are perceived to be more attractive and approachable than ones with flawed smiles. If you are also concerned about your coffee or tea tooth stains ruining your smile, don’t worry; you can get rid of these stains and enjoy a beautiful smile, thanks to professional teeth whitening. 

“But why should I get my teeth whitened at a dentistal practice, and why can’t I use an at-home whitening formula?”, you might ask. This blog will answer your question. So, continue reading to learn why professional teeth whitening by a dentist is always safer and gives superior aesthetic results.

How Well Does Teeth Whitening Done By The Dentist Work?

If you search the internet, you will find numerous at-home bleaching products and non-dental cosmetic services claiming to provide amazing teeth whitening results. Unfortunately, most of these products contain substandard ingredients that fail to provide desirable results. Similarly, some non-dental cosmetic services offering teeth whitening often use low-strength bleaching agents while others use excessively high concentrations that can cause complications such as tooth sensitivity and decay. On the other hand, dentists are trained to perform teeth whitening safely and effectively. Although dentists use high-strength bleaching agents to ensure excellent results in a single sitting, they take all precautionary measures to prevent any damage to the teeth or gums. That is why, teeth whitening performed by a dentist always provides better results than non-dentists and at-home bleaching products. 

How Often Can You Whiten Your Teeth With Zoom In One Year?

Although zoom whitening can effectively remove even the most stubborn tooth stains, it should not be considered as an alternative to regular oral hygiene maintenance. After all, most teeth stains develop because of failure to ensure optimal teeth cleaning. Dental experts recommend that zoom teeth whitening should not be performed more than once in a year. This is because excessive whitening procedures may put your teeth at-risk of developing sensitivity and dental cavities. 

How Successful Have You Been At Whitening Your Teeth?

At-home whitening formulas and strips offer varying levels of aesthetic results. As mentioned earlier, many whitening product manufacturers either use substandard ingredients to cut cost, or use dangerously high levels of bleaching agents that can damage your teeth. Regardless, one thing is certain; the aesthetic outcome of at-home whitening systems can never be as good as professionally done teeth whitening by a dentist. 

What Is The Requirement Of The Teeth Whitening?

The main ingredient of teeth whitening systems is a potent bleaching agent. Most whitening systems use carbamide peroxide as their whitening agent. This chemical is extremely volatile and it quickly releases hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates beneath the dental enamel and chemically dissolves teeth stains caused due to the consumption of several foods & drinks:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Tobacco
• Red wine

Some whitening formulas also use a light source to activate the bleaching agent to enhance its effectiveness. 

Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening Important?

Professional teeth whitening is safer and more effective than other teeth bleaching options. This is because dentists always apply protective materials like vaseline or cocoa butter on the gums, cheeks, and lips to prevent accidental bleaching. Besides, dentists use very high concentrations of bleaching agents, which provide superior results in a single sitting than other non-professionally applied whitening products. Hence, you will feel a noticeable improvement in the shade and colour of your teeth after a single sitting of professional teeth whitening. This is why professional whitening should be preferred over other tooth bleaching options. 

Are Home Teeth-Whitening Kits, Worth It?

At-home teeth whitening products have the advantage of being cheaper and more convenient. In addition, you can use these formulas in the comforts of your own home and according to your schedule. That is why people tend to prefer domestic whitening products to save time and money. Unfortunately, at-home whitening formulas do not provide the desired results as they are not as effective as the ones used at a dental practice – and require repeated application and treatment. In the end, many people ultimately need to visit their dentists for teeth whitening after they fail to achieve the desired results with domestically used whitening products. 

How Useful Are The Teeth Whitening Kits And Products?

You may benefit from teeth whitening kits and products if you have minor teeth stains. However, if you have obvious teeth stains, whitening formulas available in the supermarkets or convenience stores may not be sufficient for you. You may have to use the formula repeatedly to achieve the desired results, which carry the risk of making your teeth sensitive and vulnerable to tooth decay. So, if you want the best aesthetic outcome, you should consider visiting a dentist for your teeth whitening. 

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry procedures worldwide. Whether you have curry, tea, coffee, red wine, or juice stains on your teeth, you can get rid of them through professional whitening. If you are looking for the best cosmetic dentistry practice Sollihul, you should go to Sollihul Dental Centre and Implant Clinic. We offer dental services for your entire family in a comfortable and relaxing environment and at affordable rates. Whether you need veneers for your crooked teeth or braces for your kids, we are there to take care of all your needs. So, book a new patient appointment today and let us give you a lasting and healthy smile.