Smiles show physical and esthetic signs of aging. Advances in cosmetic dentistry has given us new opportunities in conservative and esthetic restorative procedures. These procedures have the potential to reverse the signs of dental aging, thereby making patients appear younger, with more vigor and appeal.
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Restoring a tooth with the long term in mind
A lot has changed in the last 30 years (since dental insurance began). Unfortunately most insurances do not recognize recent advances and materials that are far superior for your health. It's not really their fault. They never have claimed to provide for anyone's best health. Insurance companies exist to manage the risk of costs of dental treatment selected by the buyer of the policy (employers). Cafeteria plans are offered and often selected on the basis of cost.
This is why:
- Insurance maximums have increased minimally in 30+ years
- Procedures offered are slow to change; newer better materials cost more.
- Insurance companies admit they are not contracted to provide the best, but more often the least expensive alternative treatment.
- When procedures are denied, patients often believe in error, the insurance company's denial indicated treatment is unnecessary. Covered benefits indicate contract terms, not service, provided for your best interest. Offering less reduces an employer's benefits or premiums (costs).
- Claim processors are often trained clerical help. The limited dentists employed are rarely leaders in dentistry and education. They're instructed to deny certain claims.
- Insurance pays for simple, not complex needs.
- When patients have complex needs, insurance funds help, but are not designed to provide for the entire need. Many patients are familiar with homeowners or medical insurance, which provides for complete need at a percentage. Dental insurance offers a set amount per year regardless of your needs.
- $1200.00 in 1970 dollars is worth $327 today. Maximums have not kept up with the inflation.
- Advances in material and improvements in the technical delivery of dentistry allow for the finest aesthetics and more conservation of tooth tissue. Unfortunately, most insurance does not recognize these developments.
Dental insurance companies are not concerned about coverage for optimal dental care, but provide for only a limited number of basic services.
Our office remains dedicated to providing the very finest care for every patient and working with you to achieve that goal. We pride ourselves in helping patients in any way and in continuing to provide the quality care to which they are accustomed.
Amalgam
Amalgam has had over 150 years of use. These are fillings placed to restore decay and broken teeth. Newer Technology's availability have made this procedure obsolete. Amalgam restorations promote tooth breakdown and loss. Amalgam placement technique requires certain principles to be followed. These principles require excessive tooth removal by today's standards. Amalgam fillings are illegal in about 30 countries. Our office only offers them to restore primary (baby) teeth because of the short term need for them to stay in the patients mouth.
Crowns/Caps
Crowns are the traditional way to restore teeth with over 50% filling. It is proven to last a long time. Excessive tooth tissue removal by today's standards. Root canal treatment may be necessary after the restorations. Esthetics is good. Better esthetics, function and conservation of tooth tissue are available if desired with other newer methods.
Direct Resin Restorations
Direct Resin Restorations use adhesive technology for same day restoration. Useful for small to medium restorations. Tooth colored, highly functional, and you also get a great esthtic look . These restorative materials bond tooth structure, replacing missing tooth due to decay or trauma. Direct Resin Restorations strengthen and support the remaining structure without removing healthy tissue.
Peridontal Disease/Gum Disease
Peridontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting more than three-fourths of all people. Half of all twenty years olds in the world have at least one peridontal pocket. Studies show that Peridontal disease contributes to: heart disease, premature low birth weight babies, diabetes and respiratory diseases. It is contagious and can cause other health related problems. Peridontal charting and comparison must be done regularly.
Tooth Wear and Bruxism
Tooth wear and bruxism is non-functional grinding of the upper and lower teeth. If uncontrolled, it generally leads to severe abrasive wear of the biting surfaces, hypermobility of the teeth, sensitive teeth, headaches, and may also contribute to adaptive changes in the jaw joint and ligament structures. Wear can be a result of multiple causes. Tooth wear and bruxism will, over time, change the appearance of ones smile and cause destruction of normal functional patterns. Wear is exponential with time and increases with subsequent tooth loss. After enamel loss, the wear rapidly increases. Dentin loss occurs ten times faster than enamel.
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