Full Mouth Reconstruction FAQ
Full mouth reconstruction (FMR) is a way to reconstruct or rehabilitate the natural appearance of the mouth. It's not a specific procedure; it combines general and restorative dentistry treatments depending on your needs.
Full mouth reconstruction aims to harmonize the patient's oral anatomy by repairing or replacing teeth and reducing the risk of tooth infections due to tooth damage or loss.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A Full Mouth Reconstruction (FMR) is exactly what it sounds like — a way to restore or rebuild all of the patient's teeth. It combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry to restore the patient's mouth's health, beauty, and functionality. A few treatments involved in Full Mouth Reconstruction aim to improve the facial appearance. Reconstructions are essential for restoring missing or lost teeth due to trauma or injury, as they hamper the ability to chew or articulate. The critical difference between a smile makeover and a Full Mouth Reconstruction is that a Full Mouth Reconstruction is a medical necessity. In contrast, a smile makeover is done for purely aesthetic reasons.
The main goals of Full Mouth Reconstruction are to restore lost or missing teeth and revive their health. Tooth damage, tooth loss, or periodontal concerns such as gum recession or bone loss may ruin the beauty of your smile. In such a situation, your dentist can offer a range of procedures giving cosmetic and restorative benefits. A few of the treatments involved in a Full Mouth Restoration are mentioned below:
- Dental implants
- Root canal
- Teeth whitening
- Periodontal therapy
- Veneers
- Neuromuscular dentistry
Out of the procedures mentioned above, the one prescribed by your dentist depends on your goals and dental issues.
Consider this procedure when you have a range of dental issues; otherwise, a Full Mouth Reconstruction is unnecessary. For example, if you want teeth whitening only, there is absolutely no need to undergo Full Mouth Reconstruction.
Why Consider Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Several dental or oral issues can motivate you to undergo Full Mouth Reconstruction. Tooth loss due to trauma or tooth decay, underbite, overbite, or crossbite are a few reasons to undergo FMR. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ), pain in the lower jawbone due to improper bite, arthritis, or wear and tear keep you from sleeping at night. Trauma or injury may chip or damage your teeth. Whatever the reason, a Full Mouth Reconstruction may offer the solution.
Full Mouth Reconstruction offers an array of benefits. Outlined below are the benefits you can reap from a Full Mouth Reconstruction:
Dental rehabilitation
A Full Mouth Reconstruction strengthens the jawbone and gums, resulting in fewer headaches. You can eat or drink anything you want.
Improved oral functioning
Besides improving the appearance of your smile, a Full Mouth Reconstruction is an excellent way to enhance the daily functioning of your mouth, such as chewing, biting, or speaking.
Improved overall health
Poor dental health leads to problems like type-II diabetes. An FMR improves overall health hence reducing the risk of such diseases.
Cracked or hooked teeth make brushing or maintaining oral hygiene difficult. Food gets trapped between the gaps between teeth that, in turn, causes infections. A Full Mouth Reconstruction fixes teeth and reduces the risk of future diseases resulting from tooth decay or loss.
Boosted self-esteem
If you feel embarrassed to smile in front of people due to stained, missing, or crooked teeth, then a Full Mouth Reconstruction can counteract the problem and raise your confidence by giving you a complete set of white, shining, and aligned teeth and a beautiful dazzling smile.
Who is a Candidate for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Anyone having dental issues may be a candidate for a Full Mouth Reconstruction. A Full Mouth Reconstruction might involve major surgical work. Therefore, many factors come into play before choosing an FMR as your go-to option, such as oral health, previous medical and dental record, age, treatment goals, and current oral issues. Read on to know who a candidate for a Full Mouth Reconstruction is:
People with worn-out teeth
People with worn-out teeth due to poor oral hygiene or age can get the problem fixed with veneers or Lumineers with only a couple of appointments.
Cracked or chipped teeth
If the cracks or chips are minor, you may only need a crown or bridge or a dental implant.
Stained teeth or plaque build-up
Teeth darken for many reasons, like age, stain-causing foods, and drinks, smoking, or medications. Even after maintaining good oral hygiene, regular brushing, or flossing, teeth get stained. A professional dentist can draft a teeth whitening plan for you depending on the cause of the tooth staining.
Congenital diseases
Sometimes illnesses and congenital diseases or certain kinds of oral cancers cause patients to suffer from tooth decay. In that situation, an extensive Full Mouth Reconstruction becomes a medical emergency.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that affects jaw bones, teeth, and surrounding muscles and ligaments. It is caused by injury, an improper bite, wear and tear, and arthritis. Symptoms of TMJ disorder are facial pain, headache, jaw tenderness, and earaches. An extensive Full Mouth Reconstruction can help correct the problem to a certain extent.
Missing teeth
Missing teeth due to trauma or injury may require Full Mouth Reconstruction, either in the form of dentures, partial dentures, dental implants, or other options to restore the smile to its original condition.
How Do I Prepare for Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Preparing for a Full Mouth Reconstruction starts with a consultation with an experienced dentist. They will examine your bite, gum, jaws, and teeth. Oral examinations are likely to involve X-ray images of your oral cavity. Moreover, they will ask you about your expectations from the reconstruction procedure. They will ask how you want your smile to appear after the treatment so that you love it from every angle. They'll then draft a treatment plan according to the findings of their assessment and your desired outcomes. Dentists use a hierarchical approach to perform a Full Mouth Reconstruction. If you are unfamiliar with the step-by-step procedure, they will write it down for you.
Sometimes the patient has periodontal disease or bone tissue disorder; in such a situation, dentists treat the problem first before drafting a plan for the Full Mouth Reconstruction procedure. This step ensures a strong foundation for the new set of teeth.
It's worth mentioning here that a Full Mouth Reconstruction is not a generalized procedure. It is a highly individualized treatment plan, depending on your unique needs. The treatment plan for each patient will differ to give an aesthetically pleasing and pain-free smile. It's essential to have your concerns addressed before the procedure to carry out a hassle-free treatment and be mindful of what outcomes you will achieve.
What Procedures are Included in Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full Mouth Reconstructions consist of a variety of procedures. Which procedure to choose depends mainly on your oral health and desired outcomes. Your treatment plan may cover any of the following general or restorative procedures:
- Deep cleaning
- Bone grafting
- Placement of dental crowns, veneers, fillings, dental inlays and onlays, bridges, dentures, and implants.
- Dental Extractions
- Root canal therapy
- Gum tissue contouring
- Treatment of the temporomandibular joint disorder
- Crown lengthening
- Corrective jaw surgery
People with oral cancer may require a unique type of Full Mouth Reconstruction involving restoring missing oral cavity structures besides replacing missing teeth.
As mentioned earlier, the procedures involved depend on the goals of the treatment. A few common goals of the Full Mouth Reconstruction are:
- Handling functional problems
- Restoring worn teeth
- Correcting gingival position
- Lowering the chance of tooth fracture by fixing them using adhesives or bondings
- Improving the aesthetics to give you a natural-looking smile with healthy teeth and gums
Before going for a Full Mouth Reconstruction, we will consult our orthodontic expert. They will determine whether or not an FMR is necessary. If the problem is mild, they will choose an alternative treatment plan instead of an FMR.
How Long Does Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?
A Full Mouth Reconstruction is a combination of many cosmetic and restorative procedures. Therefore, it is a time-consuming procedure. From start to finish, it may take months to years. The reason is that individual procedures have varied downtime. Moreover, pre-procedural protocols also add to the length of the procedure. However, the results are worth the time investment.
Implants may take months to heal. In contrast, dentures take a few weeks. It's practically impossible to predict the completion time of the Full Mouth Reconstructions without discussing your treatment goals and evaluating underlying issues.
A well-executed reconstruction is not something to rush through. Our experienced and considerate dentists at My Dentist San Francisco take the time to listen to you, collaborate with you, and help you make an informed decision. They give you treatment options and provide premium care in a comfortable and caring environment.
How Do I Maintain the Results of My Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Anyone undergoing Full Mouth Reconstruction knows it is a long and challenging procedure that involves pain and discomfort. The recovery period is difficult for some people. Still, the good news is that you can enjoy your brand-new smile if you stick to the guidelines provided by your dentist. Here are a few tips that My Dentist San Francisco patients should follow to maintain their results:
Get some rest
Immediately after the Full Mouth Reconstruction, and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Lying down and resting are the most effective ways to reap long-lasting results and return to normalcy quickly. The patient should practice good care per the dentist's guidelines for the first few days.
Keep an icepack at hand
A few Full Mouth Reconstruction procedures involve swelling and soreness that might take a week or longer to subside. One of the ways to combat this issue is to keep an ice pack at hand. You should use the ice pack several times daily for 4-5 days. However, you should contact your doctor if the swelling doesn't subside within a week.
Avoid vigorous brushing
After a Full Mouth Reconstruction, it's essential that you brush gently. It would help if you avoided vigorous brushing or flossing at the surgical site. Immediately after the procedure, your treatment site would be too sensitive to withstand the bristles of your brush.
Refrain from mouthwashes
Use of an antibacterial mouthwash is an excellent oral hygiene practice, but not immediately after the Full Mouth Reconstruction surgery. A mouthwash's chemical might be too harsh for your newly treated mouth, especially if the jawbone is exposed after tooth extraction. If there is a need, your dentist will recommend it.
Attend follow-up visits
Attending follow-up visits as scheduled helps a lot in maintaining the desired results. It keeps you informed about your healing progress and proactively enables the dentist to detect any symptoms of future problems.
What are the Different Types of Crowns and Bridges Available?
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental restoration method used to restore a missing or lost tooth. As the name suggests, the structure of a dental bridge is designed in such a way that an artificial tooth bridges the gap caused by a missing tooth between two healthy teeth. The natural teeth on either side of the bridge serve as anchors to support the bridging tooth (except for implant-supported dental bridges).
Types of dental bridges
There are four main types of dental bridges, typical to their function:
Traditional Fixed Dental Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are the most commonly used type of dental bridge. A traditional bridge consists of a fake filler tooth that gets support by adhering on both sides to crowns placed over healthy teeth. It is usually made of porcelain fused with metal or ceramics.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
Cantilever bridges differ from traditional bridges in structure. The difference lies in the fact that a cantilever bridge is used when there is no tooth on one side of the bridge. In a cantilever bridge, only one anchor tooth supports the bridge. These bridges are used infrequently because the bridge puts too much strain on one healthy tooth.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
Maryland bonded bridge, also known as a resin-bonded bridge, works on the same principle as a traditional dental bridge. However, instead of using dental crowns as anchors, they use porcelain or metal framework that adheres to the backside of the adjacent healthy teeth. Maryland bridges offer a more affordable alternative to traditional bridges. Additionally, they don't need an alteration in healthy teeth. The strength of the Maryland bonded bridges depends on the strength of the adhesive substance or the porcelain. However, the metal framework causes discoloration of healthy teeth. Maryland bridges have their own specific location in the mouth that can be used. Your dentist will offer it as an option, if possible.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Implant-supported bridges use tooth implants as their anchor points. They are used to fill larger gaps and hence don't require adjacent teeth to provide support. They are known for their strength, durability, and ability to perform near-natural functions. However, the involvement of implants makes this procedure a bit longer to finish.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the damaged or decayed tooth to restore its natural look and function. Dental crowns are used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes.
Types of Dental crowns
Briefly outlined below are the different types of dental crowns:
Gold crowns
As opposed to their name, they are not actual gold. They are a combination of copper with other metals like Platinum, Palladium, Silver, Copper and Tin. They are robust and durable but not a good choice for front teeth, due to their color and aesthetically unappealing appearance. Owing to their durability and slow wear and tear, they are used in posterior restorations (back teeth).
All porcelain crowns
They are entirely made of porcelain and are the most popular choice nowadays. They are biocompatible — no metal involved and are toxin free. They mimic the natural teeth in color and look; hence are the most desirable option for front teeth restoration. However, they are costly and are not as strong as gold or metal dental crowns.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal crown
Another widely used type of dental crown is Porcelain Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crown. They are a desirable option due to their strength (use of metal) and aesthetics (porcelain mimics the natural appearance of a tooth). However, sometimes metal inside the porcelain exterior makes grey lines along the gums, reducing the aesthetic benefits of the crown.
Zirconia crown
Zirconium is a newer material available for crowns. They mimic porcelain in appearance and metals in durability. Their bio-compatibility (unlikeliness to cause allergic reactions), quick preparation, and incredible aesthetics have made them a popular choice lately.
Lithium disilicate crown
Lithium disilicate crowns, also known as E-Max crowns, are the newest and the most famous crowns today. They are thin, and light and virtually mimic natural teeth. Their durability and natural look make them a good choice for front and back teeth. However, they are regarded as the most expensive crowns.
Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Right for Me?
A Full Mouth Reconstruction aims at changing a few or all of your teeth and restoring your mouth's original look and functionality. One size fits all approach fails when it comes to Full Mouth Reconstruction. Everyone has a unique oral health record and hence unique desired outcomes. Since so many procedures fall under the Full Mouth Reconstruction umbrella, the cost, timeline, and treatment plan may vary substantially from treatment to treatment and person to person. My Dentist San Francisco's team has compiled a list of paramount considerations you must ponder before choosing an FMR.
Define the cause
- First, you need to decide why you are going for an FMR.
- You have a functional disability in your mouth, like you can't eat, chew or articulate appropriately due to missing or damaged teeth.
- Overbite or underbite is creating issues.
- Your jaw has started reshaping due to missing teeth.
- You cannot get a job due to missing or stained teeth.
- You don't feel confident and are embarrassed to smile publicly due to crooked, plaque-coated, or missing teeth.
- Your dentures falling out in social gatherings causes utter embarrassment.
- Your other restorations from different dentists over many years no longer match.
- You are losing the battle against periodontal diseases.
- You have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Need or want?
A Full Mouth Reconstruction is a time-taking and expensive treatment. It also causes a few irreversible changes to your appearance. A clear idea of whether your supposed treatment is a medical need or an aesthetic desire, makes necessary changes in your treatment plan. Sometimes, getting milder treatments for a specific goal is far cheaper, time-saving, and non-invasive than getting a full mouth reconstruction.
Do your research, see our orthodontist to weigh up the situation, and make an informed decision.
Sort out your oral health issues
A Full Mouth Reconstruction involves extensive work. Before going for the treatment, consider the following aspects of your oral health:
- You might not need a Full Mouth Reconstruction if you only have crooked teeth.
- If your teeth are generally in good health, you might only need veneers, crowns, or whitening to address the issue.
- You must have enough bone volume to qualify for a Full Mouth Reconstruction. Otherwise, you are not a good candidate.
- If you are a heavy smoker, the post-operative risk of infections will increase.
- If you have had cancer treatment in the past six months, you should disclose it with us before considering an FMR.
Budget
Before you begin, know how much you are ready to invest. Start with the procedure if you are willing to pay anywhere between $ 30k-90k down your Full Mouth Reconstruction journey. The cost is fully dependent on what you need and can be discussed in detail after your consult appointment. There are ways to work with your budget and our treatment plan coordinator is an expert on this topic.
What is Teeth Straightening and How Does it Work?
Teeth straightening is a way to align malpositioned and crooked teeth employing a mild yet gradual external force. It improves overall dental health, beautifies your smile, and resolves underbite, overbite, or crossbite issues.
Misaligned teeth make eating, chewing, or speaking — the actual job of teeth — difficult. It might also cause breathing problems. It is not only physically challenging but also disturbs psychologically. Additionally, it increases the risk of tooth diseases such as tooth decay or gum recession.
With braces
The most conventional method of teeth straightening is through braces. They are strategically placed over your teeth, and a gradual and mild pressure is applied to reposition teeth in your desired direction. Metal braces, Damon braces, Lingual braces, and ceramic braces are a few examples.
Without braces
Modern orthodontic solutions have devised ways to straighten teeth without braces. Two standard methods are Invisible aligners and retainers.
Invisible aligners are bespoke, transparent plastic fittings you wear on your teeth like a mouth guard. These are ideal for adults and teens as they are almost invisible and removable. Unlike traditional metal braces, they don't come with dietary restrictions. You can eat or drink anything you want after removing them. However, they demand uncompromised cleaning.
Invisible aligners work on the same principle as metal braces - putting gradual pressure on teeth to reposition them. The commonly available brand is Invisalign®.
How Do I Choose the Right Teeth Straightening Method?
You cannot claim a specific way of teeth straightening as the best. Only a dentist can recommend a suitable tooth straightening option after analyzing your teeth and the extent of malposition.
However, the following is a comparison of the pros and cons of available tooth straightening methods to get an insight into what suits you:
Metal braces
Metal braces have been used for over a century and are an effective way to straighten malpositioned teeth.
Pros
- They are permanently attached and are effective for children who might not have discipline with removable devices.
- Metal braces can deal with the most severe alignment issues.
- They can be customized with color bands to give a stylish appearance.
- They can take less time for more complicated treatments.
- You can eat and drink with them, without the need of removing them each time.
Cons
- They need more attention to oral hygiene.
- They are easily visible in the wearer's mouth.
- Food gets stuck in the wires and brackets. Proper cleaning is mandatory to avoid tooth decay.
- They come with dietary restrictions, and you have to watch what to eat or drink. Invisible aligners Invisible aligners are a newer tooth straightening technique. They are custom-made, tooth-shaped plastic trays that fit onto the entire array of teeth.
Pros
- They are invisible.
- Treatment is comfortable. T
- They don't interfere with your meals or oral hygiene.
- They are removable
Cons
- They cannot address severe alignment cases.
- They can be easily lost or misplaced.
- The wearer must wear them religiously for 22 hours daily for effective results.
- They have to be removed to eat and drink
What is the Role of Digital Technology in Full Mouth Reconstruction?
With the emergence of Computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing, the focus of technology in dentistry has expanded from diagnostic tools to implementation techniques. Dental healthcare providers currently use both traditional ways and digital technology to address patient issues. The choice of the method depends on the patient's unique needs. However, a fully digital workflow in Full Mouth Reconstruction is often costly and challenging.
Digital technology is implemented in dentistry in the following ways:
Construction of prosthetic teeth
To get aesthetically pleasing and befitting results, prosthetic teeth need extreme accuracy achieved through resin-based printing, ceramic milling and digital light processing printers or milling machines.
Computer-aided virtual placement planning
It helps titanium screws (upon which the all-on-four replacement teeth sit) position correctly in the patient's jawbone to provide optimal effectiveness.
Digital surgical guides for precise incisions
Oral surgery demands a high level of accuracy. Surgical guides improve the placement of implants during the FMR.
The construction of digital dentures
Digitally making dentures lessens the patient's visits and leads to a cost-effective and more straightforward procedure.
Invisible aligners
Orthodontists rely primarily on digital 3-D technology to plan the transparent aligners' construction's developmental phases.
Patient's visualization of the final results
Another benefit of digital technology is that patients can foresee what will happen during the procedure and what their results will look like after the treatment. It helps them achieve more precise and refined results.
Can Full Mouth Reconstruction Improve My Overall Health?
Damaged or decayed teeth make oral hygiene a challenging task. Poor oral health increases the chance of infections by far.
Crooked or overlapping teeth trap the food particles, lead to plaque build-up, and make cleaning difficult in the areas where floss or brush cannot reach. Consequently, it's more likely to develop infections and gum disease.
Performing Full Mouth Reconstruction helps manage gum disease and protects the patient's overall health. Gum disease is linked to severe health issues like diabetes, pneumonia, and heart disease; also statistics show, people with gum disease have a three times more chance of suffering from a cardiac failure.
Conclusion
Full mouth Reconstruction is an effective way to restore the natural appearance of a smile, boost confidence and lower the risk of significant health issues associated with oral health.
An FMR needs a lot of research and prior consultation with an experienced dentist because it's time-consuming, expensive, and often irreversible. The success of the procedure lies heavily in the patient's hands. Setting your goals for the treatment and following your dentist's guidelines ensures long-lasting results.
Second conclusion paragraph about service (50 words) Keeping up with good oral hygiene, attending the follow-up appointment, and not ignoring any future issues regarding facial muscles and the Temporomandibular Joint are the crucial factors that will determine the success of the treatment.
About My Dentist San Franciso
My Dentist San Francisco is a premier dental clinic in San Francisco, CA, United States. We offer a wide range of dentistry services maintaining the highest standard. Our world-class dentists and hygienists provide you with state-of-the-art dental care, from preventive care to advanced restorative treatment and cosmetic smile makeover. We use our education and experience to meet each patient's desired goals.
Our core belief is to do what is best for our patients. We specialize in Full Mouth Reconstruction and have seen first-hand what treatment plan holds up exceptionally well with time and what doesn't.
Our unparalleled patient care and streamlined treatment plan set us apart from other health providers in the area.
