Even though dentures have been used for many decades, the no-fuss simplicity of dental implants generally makes them a more effective option for the replacement of missing teeth. Because they are built to match your natural teeth as closely as possible, implants are more comfortable, reliable and functional than dentures but people are still having the dental implants vs dentures debate. Lets take a look at some of the reasons why are dental implants better than dentures.
It may surprise you to know that even if you have dental cover, most general and major dental insurance policies do not cover dental implant procedures. And for many people this can pose a challenge, because the account for dental implants could cost in the thousands of dollars.
Most dental plans fall into two categories. The first is general or basic dental insurance and this is structured to cover preventative dental care. Its benefits would cover check-ups with your dentist, minor fillings and professional cleaning. The major dental policies cover emergency treatments, restorations, dentures, bridges, major fillings, root canal therapy and crowns. Major dental cover usually does not include dental implants but would cover orthodontic and endodontic treatments.
Why are dental implants excluded from dental cover?
Many dental insurance providers classify dental implants as cosmetic procedures. This is not strictly accurate though because one of the biggest reasons that dental implants outperform dentures is because of their ability to add stability and support to the jawbone, and provide a structure for the shape of your face.
What if my policy does cover dental implants?
If you have a higher tier policy it is possible that some of the procedure might be covered but you should check if there are any exclusions or exceptions to the cover before proceeding with treatment. Some out of pocket expenses may apply so its best to check on this too.
If your dental plan doesnt cover implants, do not feel compelled to go for another treatment option because its cheaper. If you are a suitable candidate for implants they can be a more cost effective solution over the long term.
How to find a dental plan that pays for implants
If you do need implants, start where you are and check the fine print of your current policy benefits. Speak to your provider and discuss the option of upgrading your current plan. What would the additional cost be and what waiting periods would apply. Knowing about the waiting periods is important because you do not want to delay treatment.
Ask your dental practitioner for advice. You are not the first patient who has needed implants and your dentist may be able to offer you some valuable advice about dental plans.
Reach out to the providers using the pricing structure and benefits you received from your current dental insurer.
How do I choose the best dental plans for my needs?
Your ideal dental policy is dependant on a number of factors like your age, whether you have a family, what the status of your current dental health is, and what you can afford to pay.
When you are comparing cover look at aspects like the waiting periods, which range from two months for basic dental services to 12 months for major dental services. Consider what the out-of-pocket expenses could be, and what the annual limits will be set at.
Investing in dental implants is a long term investment that will pay off in the years to come. To find out more about your options or what you can expect to pay for implant treatment, contact the team today.
Thanks to great marketing by different products like Crest and Brighter White most of us want to know the answer to one really important question: how white can my teeth get? We now have more choice of whitening products than ever before when it comes to bleaching but how effective are these methods and how much of a difference could you really expect?
Dental checkup and cleaning cost is a major consideration when you’re choosing a dentist. While most people recognise the importance of maintaining good oral health, few people want to pay through the nose for their treatment. Finding a good quality dentist who fits within your budget is the best way of getting into the habit of scheduling bi-annual dental check-ups.
How to tell if your gums are healthy
Healthy gums should be a pale pink in colour, feel firm, and wrap tightly around your teeth. If your gums are red, swollen or sore, and bleed when brushing teeth or biting into crunchy foods, then these are all common indications that you may have gum disease.How to get healthy gums again
While we can clean your teeth and remove any hardened plaque, getting your gums back to good health will require some extra time and attention on your part. Don’t worry, by following some of the advice below you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy gums.Top Tips for Healthy Gums
Pay attention to your diet
If you want to avoid your gums looking anywhere near as bad as you may have seen in gum disease pictures, then an easy way to achieve healthy gums is by incorporating certain foods into your diet. This includes: Onions – Great for adding flavour to your dishes while at the same time neutralising bacteria found in your mouth. Don’t eat too many just before a date though Leafy green vegetables Greens such as cabbage and broccoli contain heaps of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, which promotes the production of red blood cells and reduces inflammation. Crunchy apples, sticks of celery, or carrots Raw fruit and veg helps to reduce your plaque levels and promote healthy gums. Because they require a lot of chewing they benefit your mouth by increasing saliva levels which help wash away any bacteria collecting around the gumline.Stop smoking
For any smoker who is wondering how to get better gums the obvious answer would be to stop smoking. Smoking is bad for gums because it promotes the bacterial plaque which causes gum disease. Because the act of smoking prevents oxygen from entering the bloodstream, the infected gums don’t heal and the gum disease worsens. You may be interested to learn more about the negative effects of smoking on your oral health. For healthier gums, it will certainly help if you can kick the habit.Floss twice a day
While we’re pleased that you brush your teeth twice a day, it’s not enough on its own. Flossing gets rid of tiny particles of food which get stuck in between teeth and that can’t be removed with your toothbrush and for healthier gums, we recommend that you also floss your teeth twice a day. Some people find their teeth bleed when they first start flossing. Don’t worry, this will stop as your gums get healthier and before long a set of healthy pale pink gums will be staring back at you from your mirror.Pay your dentist regular visits
The last of our tips for healthy gums and all-round good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis at least every six months. Regular checks allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and to remove any troublesome plaque build-up. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums then why not book an appointment with Point Cook Dental by calling us on 03 9395 8400 . Our friendly caring dental team are always happy to assist patients struggling with their oral care.Did you know that kids grinding teeth in sleep (otherwise known as bruxism) is more common than you might think? In fact, according to Kids Health.org as many as 2-3 out of every 10 children suffer from teeth grinding, technically known as bruxism.
Of course, when you peek in on your sleeping child, you’ll want to hear sounds of sweet dreams: gentle breathing and perhaps the occasional sigh, but if you hear sounds of gnashing, clenching jaws and teeth grinding then there’s no getting away from the fact that it can be alarming. So what exactly is bruxism, and more importantly, what causes a child to grind his teeth at night?
Bruxism is, in essence, the act of unconscious or habitual teeth grinding. It can happen at any time, but particularly when the child sleeps.
The truth is that experts aren’t entirely sure what causes teeth grinding in kids or adults for that matter but there are several theories as to why it occurs…
kids griding teeth in sleep cause #1 – Stress
Whether your child is going through the ‘terrible two’s’ or adolescence, nervous tension, frustration, or anger is never far away. A simple change in routine can cause sufficient stress in some children to bring on an outbreak of bruxism. Even everyday arguments or tantrums can prompt a bout of jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Cause #2 – Hyperactivity
It’s also thought that certain types of hyperactivity have a direct link to kids grinding teeth in sleep. For instance, those with ADHD (around 3-7% of school-aged children) were more likely to experience sleep problems including bruxism. In fact, one study revealed that symptoms such as bruxism occurred irrespective of the severity of their ADHD
Cause #3 – Pain
Kids often experience pain from earaches or teething, and in response to this, some may resort to teeth grinding. However, on the whole, experts believe that most kids outgrow this type of behaviour.
Cause #4 – Digestive parasites
According to recent research, there appears to be a correlation between digestive parasites such as pin-worms, tape-worms and Giardia and teeth grinding, although evidence is not entirely conclusive. It’s still uncertain whether parasites cause bruxism or simply exacerbate an existing problem. However, one thing we do know is that there is a close connection between the gut and the brain via the Vagus nerve. it’s possible therefore that any kind of invasion may send signals to the brain to trigger the bruxism process.
So now we have an idea of the main causes of grinding teeth while sleeping, solutions need to be found. However before we go into how to stop teeth grinding, what are the signs of teeth grinding in children?
As we’ve already mentioned, lots of kids who grind their teeth aren’t even aware that they’re doing it and in many cases, children feel no ill effects, However, in others, bruxism can wear down tooth enamel or cause tooth chipping and sensitivity. In worst case scenarios it can cause painful jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (JMJD)
Teeth grinding treatment
The vast majority of kids will simply grow out of it, but a combination of parental watchfulness (looking in on their kids while asleep) and regular dental visits will keep the problem of bruxism in check until they do.
In other cases where damage caused by kids grinding teeth in sleep is more prevalent, then dentists may prescribe a special night guard which is worn over the teeth – similar to an athlete’s mouthguard during sleep. In others where the problem may be more psychological, then getting your child to feel relaxed before bedtime is key.
If the issue is more complicated, then try to get to the bottom of the child’s concerns and try to alleviate their fears. Finally, if that doesn’t help and bruxism is still apparent, then a visit to the doctor for a digestive evaluation may well be a good idea.
If you’re concerned about kids grinding teeth in sleep, then come and talk to us about how to help your child’s bruxism. Contact Infinite Point Cook Dental on 03 9395 8400 and book a consultation with our experienced team today.
If you ask most people the question How do braces work to close gaps or straighten teeth?, they’ll probably say that braces work by applying a gentle but sustained force that (over time) will move teeth to the desired position. While this is a perfectly acceptable answer, it’s only really half the story. In reality, braces are simply the vehicle used to accelerate tooth movement, but it’s underneath the surface where the really clever stuff happens.
Gingivitis causes
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly, then plaque builds up on your teeth and gum line. Plaque is a sticky, colourless substance containing a multitude of harmful bacteria, saliva, and food particles, which irritate and damage the gums causing swelling and bleeding. If left untreated, the condition will worsen and over time it may cause pain in your mouth, tooth loss, and other symptoms associated with advanced gum disease or periodontitis.Symptoms of gingivitis what to look out for
The colour of your gums are often a good indicator of gingivitis.Healthy gums should be pale pink in colour, or darkish brown or mottled if you’ve got a darker complexion. In addition, they should fit tightly around your teeth and underlying bone. With this in mind, symptoms which show you may have gingivitis include:- Puffy or swollen gums
- Dark red gums
- Gums which feel tender
- Receding gums
- Constant bad breath
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Fighting Back How to treat gingivitis at home
There’s really only one way to treat and prevent gingivitis at home and that’s by getting rid of as much plaque as you possibly can on a daily basis. Provided you catch it early enough you can attack and eliminate plaque by adopting the following steps:Gingivitis toothpaste
If you take a look on your supermarket shelves you’ll find plenty of toothpaste designed to fight plaque and tartar. These provide protection against germs and bacteria for as long as 12 hours, so provided you brush at least twice a day, your teeth and gums will enjoy 24-hour protection.Brush your teeth more thoroughly
It’s important to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day. Try using a timer so you brush for the required length of time and if you find yourself getting bored, why not put in your earplugs and listen to some music while you brush. Pay particular attention to the gumline as this is where plaque can accumulate, and consider switching to an electric toothbrush which often gives a more thorough clean than brushing manually.Mouthwash for gum disease
Always follow up your brushing with an antibacterial mouthwash which can target any plaque lingering in those hard to reach areas.Floss daily
Many people skip flossing and this is a big mistake. Daily flossing is one of the best home care for gingivitis tips we can give you since it removes all those tiny particles of food that get lodged between the teeth and just below the gumline. If you have the signs and symptoms of gingivitis then we recommend that you also schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she can diagnose the condition, clean your teeth, and show you how to brush and floss properly. A professional dental clean can often kick-start the reversal of gingivitis followed by good oral hygiene at home. Most times, these two steps are all it takes to eliminate gingivitis and restore healthy gums. If you suspect you may have gingivitis or simply feel it’s about time you had a dental check-up then we’re here to help. Call Supreme Dental Infinite today on 03 9395 8400 and together we’ll get rid of gingivitis fast.So you’re considering teeth whitening options? With so many types of teeth whitening procedures, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you. With this in mind, it’s always best to do some research before making a decision.