Friday, June 24, 2016

Dentures and Dental Implants

If you have broken, missing, decayed, or otherwise damaged teeth, you’ve probably considered dentures, which are removable devices that replace teeth, making it easier for you to eat and which aesthetically improve your smile. However, some people don’t like the feel of full or partial dentures, as they can become loose, block the palate, or provide insufficient dental function. If you’ve tried dentures and aren’t comfortable with how they feel, dentures that snap over dental implants may be the perfect solution.

How they Work

Snap on dentures, or overdentures, are palateless and stay in place by attaching to four or five or implant posts. For this reason, you must have implants placed before you can enjoy the benefits of fixed dentures. The team at our office can determine whether you qualify for implant dentistry. Snap on dentures are available for both upper and lower arches of teeth and are removable, like traditional dentures, so they can be stored and cleaned effectively, but are securely held in place during the day with stable dental implants, improving comfort and oral function.

Benefits

The palette of traditional dentures can cause a feeling of discomfort and trigger a gag reflex for sensitive patients. Full dentures that cover the roof of your mouth can also make swallowing and speaking a challenge. Keeping dentures in place is its own battle, no matter what kind of adhesive you use, as speaking, eating, or simply moving your mouth can loosen your dentures, which can cause rubbing on soft tissue or the embarrassment of slipping teeth.

Snap on dentures with dental implants solve many of these problems as your prosthetics will be fixed in place. Your dentures won’t slip out or fail, even when you’re eating and speaking.

Learning More about Implant Overdentures

If you’re uncomfortable with your current dentures or looking for a way to enhance your smile without the frustrations of loose and failing teeth replacements, implant dentures present an ideal solution. At our Dracut office, we can help you make positive choices about your dental health by providing you with options and education, including implant dentistry and fixed denture solutions. Contact or visit us today to learn how to improve your smile and quality of life.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

What Does my Dental Insurance Cover?

Our dental office treats a range of oral health concerns, from cosmetically flawed teeth to advanced tooth decay. With each procedure, it’s common for patients to wonder what their options are to ensure best results and what their insurance offers for coverage of those treatment options.
While this is a question with a range of answers – every dental insurance can differ -- there are some general things to keep in mind with most insurance plans that can help you better understand what you can expect from your treatment plan.

Elected Procedures May Come with Minimal to No Coverage – Treatments that serve purely cosmetic benefit and are patient-elected, such as teeth whitening and veneers, may not be covered under most treatment plans. However, there may be some wiggle room for aesthetically-appealing materials on necessary procedures, such as all porcelain dental crowns and bridges.

Prevention is Covered and is Key – This may be a common sense standard that you’ve heard before, but it’s certainly true. Many common dental problems that would later require cosmetic and functional restoration, such as decayed or stained teeth, can be avoided with frequent dental visits. With routine dental care, our team can prevent serious damage to teeth and ensure that your smile is fresh and bright. In most dental plans, twice yearly cleanings and dental X-rays are covered. If you keep up with these important preventive visits, the likelihood that you will need to plan for or seek funding for advanced dental restorations can be minimized.

Modern, Aesthetic Treatments May Be Included – Be sure to read over the fine details of your dental plan to find any hidden gems regarding covered treatments. In some cases, whitening may be included or in the event that you need a cavity filled – one of the most common treatments patients receive – tooth-colored, composite restorations may also be a covered option.

Waiting Periods for New Insurance Plans – Many plans include a stipulation that patients must wait for a set period of months before taking advantage of coverage for more comprehensive restorations or complex treatments, such as dental bridges and orthodontics. If you just started with a new insurance plan or switched plans benefit from better coverage, be sure to check whether any waiting period applies to your desired treatment.

Working with your Insurance and Amerident Dental

In any treatment where you have questions about what benefit you can receive from your dental plan, it’s always wise to call your insurance provider directly to clarify what is possible.  If you have questions about your treatment pan, our Dracut, MA dental team can help you make the most of your available benefits and submits claims to your insurance on your behalf.  For assistance regarding your treatment plan and insurance benefits, contact our office for an in-depth consultation.