Zak Dental team strongly believes that patient education is a very important step to good dental health and hygiene practices. That is why we created dental education videos to educate our patients.
If you live in Southern California, feel free to Schedule a New Patient Visit with us in Zak Dental offices in Agoura Hills, Covina/San Dimas, Downey, Long Beach, North Park, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, Temecula, Valencia, Ventura, and Whittier/La Mirada, California.
Please Call us at 833-ZAK-TEAM with any additional questions you would like us to answer.
What are the key distinctions between full dentures and implant overdentures?
Lets talks about two types of dentures – fully removable dentures and implant-retained overdentures.
Fully removable dentures are cheaper and don’t require surgery, but they don’t offer the same level of comfort and functionality as implant-retained overdentures.
Implant-retained overdentures involve placing implants in the mouth and attaching the denture to them, which makes it more stable and easier to eat with. Implant-retained overdentures also preserve the jaw bone better, which is important for long-term use.
What are the distinguished differences between a fixed denture and a removable denture when making a decision between the two options?
There are different types of dentures available, including fixed dentures and removable dentures.
Fixed dentures, such as implant-supported dentures, are held in place by either snapping onto implants or being screwed down on implants. This provides superior retention and feels more like natural teeth.
Removable conventional dentures, on the other hand, tend to move around in the mouth and require adhesives. While they are less expensive and don’t require surgical placement of implants, they can decrease bone quantity and quality.
Implant dentures, on the other hand, preserve bone quantity and quality by placing the implant in the bone, which helps to retain bone longer. Overall, implant-supported dentures offer better function and strength, allowing you to eat and bite normally without slippage or the need for adhesives.
What are some important questions that should be ask when considering dental implants with a dentist?
In summary, before getting dental implants, it’s important to ask your dentist the following questions:
Am I a good candidate for implants?
Is the dentist an expert in placing implants?
How long will the implants last?
What sedation options are available?
Who will restore the implants?
It’s also recommended to choose a specialty group practice where an oral surgeon or periodontist places the implant and a restorative dentist restores it for the best results.
What are crucial questions that should be asked when deciding on the braces with a dentist?
Before getting braces, there are three important things to know.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist. While some dentists offer braces, it’s better to seek an orthodontist who is specially trained and experienced in orthodontics.
Secondly, it’s important to determine whether you’re eligible for clear aligners or if metal braces would be a better option. This can only be determined through a consultation with an orthodontist who can assess your individual case.
Lastly, the duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the correction needed. At this orthodontic office, the timeline is typically around two years. It’s recommended to schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist and avoid using at-home aligner products without proper evaluation by a professional.
How can one make orthodontic treatment more affordable using 3 lesser-known ways?
Three little-known ways to make orthodontic treatment affordable for patients who find the price to be a pain point.
The first tip is to check with your dental insurance provider to see if they cover orthodontic treatment and to ask specific questions to get thorough answers.
The second tip is to look for offices that offer financing options with affordable payment plans at 0% interest.
Lastly, signing up for an in-house annual savings plan with a dental office that looks trustworthy to you can also help you save money on orthodontic care.
Why is it important to consider more than just looks when it comes to orthodontic treatment?
The biggest misconception about orthodontic treatment is that it’s only for aesthetic purposes.
While a beautiful smile is a benefit of orthodontic treatment, the most important thing is having a healthy bite structure. Misaligned jaws and teeth can cause wear and tear, chipping of enamel, and tooth decay, which can require costly and intensive treatment.
The American Orthodontic Association recommends getting a bite structure and jaw assessment by an orthodontist at age 7 or younger. Correcting the bite structure while the child is young is cheaper and more effective than getting the same treatment during teenage or adult years. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome, and it can avoid serious issues in the future.
The writer gives an example of his personal experience of not getting orthodontic treatment when he was younger, which now requires jaw surgery costing $20,000-$25,000.
What would be the top 5 crucial factors to consider when seeking affordable orthodontic treatment?
Cost can be a pain point for patients when it comes to getting orthodontic treatment. There are 5 ways to lower that out of pocket expense and be more financially to make the treatment more affordable.
1. Check to make sure your dentist is in network with your dental plan.
2. Make sure you’re getting treatment done by an Orthodontist not a General Dentist.
3. Ensure you are compliant with the guidelines of your treatment.
4. If your kids need treatment then start them as soon as possible.
5. Have an understanding of the financial options available and choose them wisely.
Why is it crucial for me to stay on top of my oral health and not put off taking care of it?
We had a patient who came in with severe toothaches due to nerve damage caused by a cavity that had been left untreated for two months. The infection had even spread to another tooth.
This situation could have been prevented if the patient had kept up with regular check-ups and preventative care. We encourage everyone to invest in preventative care, as procrastination can lead to costly and extensive dental work.
Being proactive with your dental health is always the best decision for your oral well-being. So, if you have any dental issues, don’t hesitate to make a consultation with us.