What Is An Orthodontist?

If you are wondering what the difference between an orthodontist and a general dentist is, remember that all orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist in Silver Spring, MD is a dentist has who gone through additional training after dental school to learn the specifics of orthodontics. The practice of orthodontics deals strictly with straightening of the teeth with different means such as braces and retainers. These orthodontic tools work to fix crooked teeth by applying pressure to the teeth and jaws over a period of time. Orthodontists also help people who have an under-bite or an overbite. Crooked teeth, under-bites, and overbites are primarily cosmetic concerns, rather than health problems (such as gum disease). In the past, children and teens were the main candidates for braces and retainers, but there’s now a growing population of adults who seek to have straighter teeth.

You may think it’s a phenomenon of modern times for people to want straight teeth and an eye-pleasing bite, but the practice of teeth straightening has existed since 400 B.C.! Even Hippocrates wrote about methods for straightening crooked teeth. The old methods were often crude attempts, and some were definitely not safe and effective like the modern methods we have now. During the 19th century, two doctors by the names of Normal Kingsley and Edward Angle came up with the concept of applying external pressure to the teeth and jaws to fix crooked teeth, and they are known as the fathers of modern orthodontics.

Orthodontists work with the aesthetics of your smile.

While primarily a cosmetic concern, sometimes crooked teeth or a severe overbite or under-bite can cause health problems. Such health issues may range from clicking jaws, difficulty eating, TMJ, and sleeping problems to headaches and difficulty keeping teeth clean with regular flossing and brushing. If you suffer from any of these issues, speak to your general dentist. He or she may refer you to an orthodontist if the cause of your health problems is believed to be a result of teeth misalignment or a bite problem.

Orthodontists can also help you achieve better health.

Many people are still unaware that sleep apnea, snoring, and bruxism (teeth grinding) at night can cause daytime sleepiness and a general feeling of not waking up fully rested in the mornings. Even more are unaware that an orthodontist can help with these problems by assessing your bite (balance between the upper and lower jawbones). Some people may require surgical treatment to fix their jaws, but most people will simply just require braces or a mouth guard to wear at night. If you have concerns with your quality of sleep, speak to your general dentist about a referral to see an orthodontist in Silver Spring.

A general dentist has completed a bachelor’s degree, plus four years or more in dental school. An orthodontist in Silver Spring, MD has completed a bachelor’s degree, four or more years of dental school, and further training (usually two years) and residency in orthodontics before they can open their own practice. They are highly skilled at their craft, and should be able to help you achieve straight teeth and a healthy bite.

General Dentistry Practitioners in Silver Spring Explain the Incredible “All on 4” Protocol Cost Savings, PART 4

Welcome to the fourth and final installment of this four-part article series on how the “breakthrough” All-on-4 dental implants technique can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of getting new upper and/or lower teeth. In Part 1, 2 and 3, general dentistry practitioners in Silver Spring explained the following:

1. The All-on-4 protocol only requires four implants for fixed oral rehabilitation instead of 10, as is the case with traditional implant techniques.

2. The All-on-4 procedure can, in most cases, be completed in a single surgery, as opposed to multiple surgeries spread out over the course of up to 18 months.

3. The All-on-4 is estimated to save patients an average of $20,000 and, for more complex cases, $45,000 on the cost of fixed oral rehabilitation.

We ended off last time talking to a dentist in Silver Spring about bone grafting and how, by avoiding the need for it, the All-on-4 is able to save patients the expense involved in this additional procedure. We just have a few questions left before we wrap this four-part article series up.

How exactly does the All-on-4 avoid the need for bone grafting?

Answer: “Using sophisticated treatment planning and visualization software, we are able to plan surgeries in great detail before the patient even comes in for his or her procedure,” explains a general dentistry practitioner in Silver Spring. “We use this technology to plan the best possible placement array of dental implants in order to provide maximum support for the prosthetic dental bridge, while at the same time avoiding the need for bone grafting.”

“In most cases, we are able to achieve this by strategically placing the dental implants in regions of the mouth that naturally contain a greater volume of atrophy-resistant bone tissue. This enables us to provide patients with new teeth, without the expensive and painful experience of having to go through bone grafting.”

Are there cases that bone loss has become too advanced for you to treat using the “All-on-4”?

Answer: “Unfortunately, yes, there have been a few patients who have had to go a slightly longer route to fixed oral rehabilitation because their jawbone health is so deteriorated,” says the dentist in Silver Spring. “This is why we encourage patients not to choose removable dentures when considering teeth replacement. In addition to being bulky, uncomfortable, a hassle to look after and functionally inferior, dentures allow the jawbone to atrophy and waste away. This loss of bone volume is permanent and can’t be reversed… it can only be treated with bone grafting, which is a very invasive procedure that requires many months of healing before the jaw has healed enough to receive implants.”

Last, but certainly not least, is there any assistance to be found for patients who would like to have the All on 4 done, but don’t have the cash upfront to pay for it?

Answer: “Absolutely! Most general dentistry practices in Silver Spring have a member of staff whose duty it is to help patients to understand and get the most out of their medical aid. We also work closely with many medical financing companies, which offer tailor made payment plans to suit patients of all financial means. Simply speak to your dentist about finding financial assistance for your procedure and he or she will be more than happy to help you find it.”

Dentists in Silver Spring Explain How the “All on 4” Protocol Can Save Patients Tens of Thousands of Dollars, PART 3

This four-part article series explores just how the “All-on-4” dental implant protocol can save patients an incredible amount of money on getting a brand new set of non-removable teeth placed.

Welcome to the third installment of this four-part article series on how the “breakthrough” All-on-4 dental implants technique can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of getting new upper and/or lower teeth. In Part 1, the dentist in Silver Spring explained that the All-on-4 protocol only required four implants for fixed oral rehabilitation instead of 10, as was the case with traditional implant techniques.

Then, in Part 2, it was explained that with only four dental implants needed per jaw the entire “All on 4” procedure could in most cases be completed in just one sitting, with one surgery. This is unlike traditional dental implant techniques, which, owing to the much larger number of implants required, would take multiple surgeries. We have a few more questions about this before moving on to the third and final way the All-on-4 can save patients tens of thousands of dollars.

Let’s get started…

How much can one expect to save with only one surgery being necessary, as opposed to traditional dental implant techniques, which require multiple procedures?

Answer: “If you’ve ever been for any surgical procedure, you’ll know that there are multiple bills involved. You need to pay for the hardware or materials used, the surgeon’s time, the anesthetist’s time, as well as the cost of sedation. You’ll also need to fork out money for X-rays, pre- and post-operative appointments. The same applies to dental implant surgery,” explains the dentist in Silver Spring. “With only one surgery, which is possible with the All-on-4, you only go through all of this once. With multiple surgeries, it can seem as though you are caught up in an endless cycle of medical bills and appointments with your specialist. It can all add up tremendously!”

“The All on 4 dental implants technique is estimated to save patients - those who have been deemed candidates for the procedure - an average of $20,000 on the cost of oral rehabilitation. For more complex cases that might otherwise require bone grafting surgery, these savings can be as high as $45,000!”

This seems like the perfect opportunity to discuss the third way the All on 4 technique saves patients money… in the avoidance of bone grafting surgery! What is bone grafting?

Answer: “Bone grafting is a surgical procedure whereby a sliver of bone tissue, which has been harvested from another location on the body, or from an external source, is grafted onto the jaw. This is done to augment the existing bone volume and encourage the growth of new and healthy hard tissue in the jaw,” explains the dental implants surgeon in Maryland.

Why might this procedure be necessary in the first place?

Answer: “The patients who frequently come to us for treatment have lived without natural teeth and/or with removable teeth replacement appliances, such as dentures, for several years. The jawbone, just like the muscles in your body, requires stimulation in order to remain healthy. Without the tooth roots present, the importance source of functional stimulation needed to achieve this is lost and the jawbone can begin to atrophy. Over time, more and more bone volume is lost, until treatment success of any kind can become doubtful, says the dentist in Silver Spring.”

“The traditional solution available for patients who wanted implants, but who had lost a significant volume of bone from their jaws was to perform a bone grafting procedure. One of the key goals of Dr. Paulo Malo when he innovated the “All-on-4” dental implant protocol was to avoid this additional, painful and costly step in one’s journey to fixed oral rehabilitation and he achieve it! The All on 4 is almost always able to avoid the need for bone grafting and in doing so, it saves patients thousands of dollars.”

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To find out more about the incredible dental implants cost savings Silver Spring residents can benefit from, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Best Silver Spring Dentists Explain How the “All on 4” Protocol Can Save Patients Tens of Thousands of Dollars, PART 2

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on how the “breakthrough” All-on-4 dental implants technique can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of getting new upper and/or lower teeth. The first important point discussed by some of the best Silver Spring dentists is that the “All-on-4” only requires four dental implants per jaw (as the name suggests), while more traditional implant techniques could require as many as 10. With each implant costing in the region of $3,000 to $4,000, it’s no wonder that most patients opted for removable dentures in the past.

But there are many more ways the All on 4 dental implants technique can save Silver Spring residents money and we’ve yet to fully discuss these. Let’s get started…

We left off last week with you explaining that the All on 4 saves patients money in the number of surgeries required for oral rehabilitation and in the avoidance of bone grafting surgery. Perhaps you could start by further explaining the first point.

Answer: “Well, you see, in order to surgically place such a large number of dental implants, oral surgeons would break the procedure of full mouth reconstruction down into several smaller and more manageable surgeries,” explains a dental implants surgeon in Maryland. “So instead of having all 20 dental implants placed in just one sitting, a patient would be required to come in for repeat surgeries over the course of up to a year and a half, 18 months. Each surgery would require downtime, recovery and follow-up appointments, until the surgeon is happy that the jaw has healed sufficiently for the patient to be booked for his or her next surgery.”

Before you continue, can you explain why traditional implant procedures had to be broken down into multiple surgeries? Why couldn’t the dentist just do the whole thing in one sitting?

Answer: “To put it quite simply, 20 dental implants cannot safely be placed in one sitting! Not even the best Silver Spring dentists would be comfortable performing such a procedure. The trauma to the jawbone would be so immense that the risk of implant failure would be too great. Additionally, there would be a much higher risk of post-operative infection. It is safer to place fewer implants per session and to have more sessions. It also ensures a much higher success rate,” explains the dental implants surgeon in Maryland. “This is not even to mention the incredible discomfort the patient would have to endure having gone in for such a massive procedure.”

Alright, so you’re saying that older dental implant techniques required a number of surgeries. How does the All-on-4 differ?

Answer: “With only four dental implants needed per jaw, the entire procedure can, in most cases, be completed by the dentist in just one sitting. Then, once the patient has woken up from the surgery, the prosthodontist can take over and come and fit his or her dental prosthesis to the implants... all on the same day,” says the dental implants surgeon in Maryland.

 

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out more about the incredible cost savings Silver Spring residents can benefit from with the All on 4 dental implants technique, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

How the All on 4 Dental Implants Technique Can Save Patients Tens of Thousands of Dollars, PART 1

It’s not every day that you hear of a newer, more sophisticated and modern technology costing LESS than its clumsy, less functional and beneficial predecessors. That new interactive television set, that state-of-the-art computer and that hot-off-the-press cellphone cost so much more than the older TVs, computers and cellphones they are replacing. But in the case of dental implants and in particular, the All on 4 dental implants technique, it would seem that the opposite is true! To understand just how this is possible, we spoke to a panel of Maryland dentists. Here’s what they had to say.

Let’s begin with a brief look at the All-on-4 technique. Can you explain what it is and how it works?

Answer: “The All-on-4 dental implants technique involves the strategic positioning and placement of four medical grade titanium implants, which are then used to support a customized prosthetic dental bridge (see image below). This bridge is carefully fabricated to look like a complete set of healthy teeth and gums and is made to fit the patient’s mouth beautifully,” explain Maryland dentists.

So where’s the first place that patients can save money on the cost of oral rehabilitation?

Answer: “First and foremost, as the name suggests, the All on 4 technique only requires four dental implants to be placed in the mouth in order for a patient to get a complete set of new upper or lower teeth. That’s eight in total if the patient is undergoing full mouth reconstruction. Older dental implant techniques, on the other hand, could require as many as six, eight or even 10 dental implants to achieve the same results! PER JAW!

“A single dental implant costs in the region of $3,000 to $4,000, so now compare the costs of the All-on-4, which requires a maximum of eight implants for full mouth reconstruction, with the costs of traditional dental implant techniques, which could require as many as 20 implants! The difference in cost is staggering,” say Maryland dentists. “It’s no wonder that so many people, prior to the innovation of the All on 4, opted to have removable dentures fitted.”

So right off the bat, patients are saved a considerable amount of money - in fact, thousands of dollars on the cost of the hardware needed to give them new teeth. But, there’s more than just one way the All on 4 dental implants technique saves patients money. What are the other important reasons?

Answer: “There are two additional ways the All on 4 can save patients tens of thousands of dollars on the cost of fixed oral rehabilitation: in the number of surgeries required to give them new teeth again and in the avoidance of bone grafting surgery.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more about the incredible cost savings Silver Spring residents can benefit from with the All on 4 dental implants technique, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series. Next time, we’ll be examining the number of surgeries required by the All on 4 and its more traditional counterparts.

Best Advice From Silver Spring Dentists On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Visits, PART 2

Welcome to the second half of this two-part article series on how patients who are going for their scheduled check-ups can get the very most out of this time with their Silver Spring dentist. In our previous article post, Part 1 of the series, we covered the following two points:

Make a list of any and all concerns and questions you may have, making special note of tooth pain and sensitivity; funny oral sores, patches or ulcers that don’t go away; jaw pain and head aches; difficulty flossing, etc.

Take the time to provide your dentist and oral hygienist with your latest and most up-to-date medical history. This will help them provide you with the most effective, individualized care.

Let’s look at the remaining three points...

Tip # 3: Provide Your Silver Spring Dentist with a List of All Your Medications

Again, in keeping with the holistic approach to providing the best and most individualized care for patients, general dentistry professionals in Silver Spring are going to want to know what kinds of medications you take regularly. This includes supplements and vitamins. Certain prescription and chronic medications can cause “dry mouth” - an impediment of saliva production - which can leave your teeth and gums more vulnerable to infection. Anti-histamines and medications for depression and high blood pressure should be noted.

Additionally, certain supplements and medicines can cause a thinning of the blood, which may be a problem if you’re having dental work done, so be sure to tell your Silver Spring dentist if you regularly take anything, whether you think it’s important or not.

Tip # 4: Ask About Your Low-Cost Options Rather Than Avoid The Dentist

The first things that tend to suffer when monthly budgets get tight are visits to the local general dentistry office in Silver Spring. Instead of doing this, however, you should ask your dentist about any or all low cost options he or she may offer and whether they make dental financing available. It’s always better to sign up for the treatment and professional attention you need rather than delay it over a concern for finances. Most Silver Spring dentists work with medical financing companies that offer extended payment plans to facilitate prompt treatment.

Tip # 5: Get Educated!

Your dentist will be able to see from the health of your teeth and gums exactly where it is your home oral hygiene routine is lacking and how you might be able to change your daily habits to allow for better health. Now’s the time to get educated, so ask your Silver Spring dentist and oral hygienist how you can improve your dental health and whether there are any special products they recommend to help you achieve your goals, be it a new anti-bacterial mouth rinse or special cleaning implements, for example, a Waterpik™.

A Final Note

Your dentist is there to help you maintain optimal oral health and hygiene, which are inseparable from beautiful smile aesthetics. Know how to get the very most out of your annual check-ups and never be afraid to phone in an ask questions!

Best Advice From Silver Spring Dentists On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Visits, PART 1

Whether it’s been awhile since you’ve seen the dentist or you’re good about keeping those scheduled appointments, there’s always something Silver Spring residents can do to prepare for their short time in the dentist’s chair. And, as it turns out, there’s so much more to a dental check-up than getting your teeth cleaned and cavities filled! The best Silver Spring dentists take a far more holistic approach to caring for their patients, which means that they need to know a little more about your medical history and current lifestyle, which may contain risk factors for gum disease and oral cancer.

Not to fret! In this two-part article series, we will explain to you how you can best prepare for your routine check-up!

Tip # 1: Write a List of Concerns or Questions You May Have

It always happens… you end up in the doctor’s chair with a problem and forget about all the other little questions you had. Before you end up in the office of your general dentist in Silver Spring, write down a list of all the concerns or questions you may have for him or her. Consider the following:

• Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? This could be a sign of gum disease, so it’s best to mention this to your dentist.

• Have you noticed any sores, funny patches or ulcers in your mouth that never seem to heal and go away? This could be an early sign of oral cancer and early detection is crucial!

• Have you experienced any tooth pain or sensitivity when you bite down and/or drink something hot or cold? This may be a sign of broken fillings, cavities, cracked teeth, erosion of your dental enamel or gum recession.

• Have you had any problems with flossing? “Sometimes, difficulty flossing - in other words the floss gets stuck between your teeth or it comes away frayed - can be a sign of a cavity or tooth decay between the teeth. Notifying us is best,” says the Silver Spring dentist.

• Do you suffer from stiffness in the jaw, chronic headaches, a popping sound when you articulate your jaw and/or a tender jaw joint? It’s possible that you are grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw when you sleep and this could be causing you temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The general dentist will be able to offer Silver Spring residents a proper diagnosis.

So, consider all of these questions and be sure to make a list!

Tip # 2: Provide Your Dentist with Your Most Recent and Up-to-date Medical History

While you’re sitting in the waiting room, why not take a moment to update your medical history? The best Silver Spring dentists take a more holistic approach to oral healthcare, which means that illnesses and diseases in other parts of the body need to be considered, as they may have an impact upon the health of your teeth and gums. Certain illnesses and medications, for example, may cause “dry mouth”, which can lead to a greater risk of gum disease. Remember, the more your dentist knows about your health, the better equipped he or she will be to provide you with the best and most personalized care.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more advice about how you can get the most out of those scheduled appointments with your general dentist in Silver Spring, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series.