When Dr Timmerman tells people this, people are shocked. They have always been told the opposite, that bridges are what most people get, implants are for the rich and famous. How can this be true?
There are two aspects to consider:
Longevity
3rd party contribution
In a 30 year span, a dental bridge may need to be replaced 2 or 3 times (or more). If a cavity forms on a tooth that is holding the bridge in place, the bridge must be replaced. Sometimes a bigger bridge is needed, as one of the supporting teeth must NOW be extracted, or is so weak from being worked on repeatedly so another tooth is used. The 3 tooth bridge is now 4 or 5.
In that same 30 year span, the implant likely has had no issues. Once placed, no more periodontal disease (gum disease), no cavities. Dental implants are among the longest lasting procedures in dentistry.
If dental insurance is a factor, there may be less out of pocket than a bridge. Consider a bridge that costs $3500, or an implant for $3500 (these fees are for illustration. OUR fees are WAY higher…! ☺ )
If your annual benefit is $1000, there will be $2500 out of pocket for the bridge. With an implant, one could place the implant and use $1000 in one benefit plan period, then place the abutment and crown in the next benefit period and use another $1000, meaning there is only $1500 out of pocket for the implant service. When talking money, implants are MUCH more affordable.
When deciding on treatment, there are many things to consider. An informed decision helps avoid buyers remorse. If you would like to know more or discuss your treatment options, see our main site www.DrTimmerman.com or call 206-241-5533!
Dr Timmerman is excited to offer digital dental impressions by Cadent. The iTero machine allows for impression taking WITHOUT gooey gunk. No gagging, but the best part is the accuracy.
iTero captures the prep, emails the info, creates CAD/CAM models which are sent to the dental lab for final crown/bridge/veneer fabrication.
The accuracy is unsurpassed. Most crowns are placed permanently in the mouth with NO adjustments. From a patient comfort perspective, wouldn’t it be nice to come in and mere minutes later be on the road again? All dental impression materials distort to a degree and talented labs must compensate. With iTero, there is no need to compensate and the accuracy and fit are simply a given.
If you would like the best that dentistry has to offer, call 206-241-5533!
Quite often people ask for “No Prep Veneers”. When the case allows, the results can be fantastic.
However, most cases do not allow this. Most people have teeth that overlap to a certain degree, or are flared out and would need to be brought in. If tooth structure is located in an area where none should be, then it would need to be removed to create the ideal appearance. This eliminates the case from “No Prep” consideration.
This is not a bad thing. “Prep” veneers do not weaken teeth, and usually are stronger than if the teeth were not restored at all. The result is both beautiful AND strong.
Dr Timmerman is asked all the time for cheap esthetic or cosmetic dentistry. Honestly, nobody wants this. Dr Timmerman wants to provide care that people want and are proud of, and people want care that warrants pride.
He often talks of the “3 E’s of Dentistry”. These are esthetic, economics and efficiency. You can have 2, but not all three. If you want them to be pretty and quick, they won’t be cheap. If you want them to be cheap and efficient, they won’t be pretty. If you want them to be pretty and cheap, they won’t be efficient (quick or convenient).
We ALL want our cake and to eat it too. Sometimes, cutting corners is not a good idea. Do you want cheap brain surgery? You might not like the outcome. Same with cosmetic dentistry.
Low fees come at a premium. What corners are being cut in order to save you money? Do you want veneers created in China, where we don’t really know what they are made from? There are many cases of materials made in Asia where the results are NOT what one would want. When it comes to one’s health, is that REALLY a wise thing?
Branding works. With the internet, patients are learning material options and even ask by BRAND! That didn’t happen in the past, people just came in, got advice and trusted the dentist to do a good job.
There is nothing wrong with asking for materials by brand. Most of the time, the choice is a great one. But sometimes the material is NOT a great choice, and Dr Timmerman can share the reasons why.
One of the great new materials on the market today is from Ivoclar Vivadent.
eMax.
This comes in several types, pressed or CAD. Zirconium can be a part of it too, called ZirPress or ZirCAD. eMax and eMax HT (high translucency for a natural look). All flavors have advantages and settings that are more ideal.
If eMAx is the material you desire, call 206-241-5533 today!
In the past, dental offices had a “unique” smell and the experience was often less than pleasant. Dr Timmerman offers an experience unlike many others. With the aromatherapy candles, the paraffin hand waxing and the heated neck pillows, you will almost forget it is a dental office!
Although Dr Timmerman is skilled enough to make the appointments quicker than expected, you can’t stay all day.
Come see what all of the fuss is all about! 206-241-5533.
Dr Timmerman uses digital xrays during his diagnostic exams. These images can be seen VERY well on a computer screen and use up to 90% less radiation than conventional film. With the enhanced visualization, disease can be caught in earlier stages, and patients understanding increases as they do not need to strain their eyes and pretend to see what Dr Timmerman insists is present!
Digital x-rays are also good for the environment. No longer is there any chemical waste that was used in the processing of the films. If you want to see an office that does not pollute and uses less radiation, call 206-241-5533!
DMG has come out with a product that will amaze. The resin is designed to “heal” early cavities. Dr Timmerman is excited to offer this procedure to those that have cavities forming, BEFORE there is loss of tooth structure. While the product is new and long term effects won’t be known for a while, it is looking VERY promising!
