Warranties and Bridges
Answers to your warranty questions
The more informed you are, the easier it is to decide if our solution is right for you. Below are the most frequently asked questions we get from our potential patients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, you can always request a consultation
Bridge Warranties
What is the difference between PMMA and Nanoceramic bridges and why are the warranties different?
Bridge materials impart different properties which influence strength, resiliency, esthetics, and longevity. A single material is not necessarily better than another but can be better suited for an individual’s needs. PMMA has been around the longest, is well tested, imparts good esthetics, and strength and is incredibly resilient. PMMA is warrantied for 2 years because the strength of the teeth is less than that of Nano-ceramic, meaning – under function (chewing and grinding), the teeth themselves wear down quicker than the Nano-ceramic material. This requires greater amounts of adjustments during your yearly examinations. The amount of material adjusted is patient dependent, but typically after 3-5 adjustments (3-5 years) we begin to run out of material, or the bite collapses requiring a new set of bridges. While this sounds like a bad thing, the softer nature of the PMMA material gives it superior resiliency as compared to Nano – PMMA can flex without breaking allowing for more freedom in mechanical design. For this reason, PMMA is sometimes the best material for a patient. Nano has superior longevity to PMMA because it is stronger and reduces wear to the teeth over time (less adjustments to the bite per visit). This hardness imparts a more ‘tooth-like’ feel and secures a functional edge to the teeth longer. There is also a glaze which is applied to Nanos giving it a more natural look and feel. Nano is more rigid than PMMA and does NOT possess the ability to flex, therefore attention to design and its limitations are paramount.
If I have a bridge replaced under a warranty, does the warranty start over?
What does the warranty cover?
The warranty covers any manufacturer’s defects.
What happens if I need a new bridge after the warranty period has expired?
A new bridge can still be made for you! To receive the lowest cost for remakes, patients must be seen annually at one of our G4 practices.
Can I upgrade to the Nanoceramic later, and what does it cost?
After a consultation with your G4 Doctor and determined that your case meets the necessary requirements – YES! You can upgrade to the Nano material. The cost is outlined below and is dependent on warranties being in good standing.
What voids a warranty?
There are 2 different warranties: Surgical (implant) and Prosthetic (bridge). Causes for warranty voids include:
- Failing to schedule and make an initial recare appointment within 4-6 months following surgery.
- Failing to be seen annually at a G4 office for maintenance/cleaning appointments.
- Smoking/tobacco use/nicotine use
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Taking SSRI medications
If I receive maintenance at a different dentist's office, will my warranty be voided?
The G4 team is highly specialized and experts in the field of full mouth rehabilitation. Many offices do not have the experience to adequately track, diagnose, or treat adverse events. It is for this reason that we require our patients to have a close relationship with a skilled G4 professional to maintain their warranties. That being said – should you have a medical or dental emergency or a concern that cannot be addressed in a timely manner by G4, we encourage you to let us know why and what the issue is so that we can make introductions on your behalf to another clinic. Simply being seen by another practitioner does not void your warranty.
I could not travel back for my cleaning/maintenance (due to sickness, travel costs, etc.), why does that void my warranty?
Warranties are in place to provide a fair and balanced set of rules through which procedures, costs, and liability are measured. They ensure an even playing field and help protect our patients and the office. They help avoid confusion and establish best practices to ensure the highest long-term success possible. If you are unable to maintain a consistent relationship with the office, please reach out with your concerns – we are here to help and make life easier for you.
Does the warranty cover staining?
Staining is a consequence of diet, habits, and hygiene. All staining will be removed during your cleaning appointments, and techniques in hygiene will be elaborated on as well as potential modifications to your bridges. If it is overly difficult to maintain the desired level of cleanliness, it may be prudent to increase your cleanings from once a year to twice a year. The total cost of a cleaning is 250/arch when removed and 125/arch when left in the mouth. Some patients like to return bi-annually and have their bridges cleaned in the mouth as a stopgap between yearly cleanings.
What is a zirconia bridge?
A zirconia bridge is a type of dental prosthesis made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material known for its exceptional strength and durability. It’s used to replace multiple missing teeth and is supported by dental implants or natural teeth.
What are the differences in bridge materials and why do dentist recommendations vary?
With so many materials available, it’s understandable that patients may find it challenging to understand which option is best for them. As with most things, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each material behaves differently and offers unique advantages that make it more suitable for certain applications.
PMMA:
PMMA is considered the workhorse material for full-mouth rehabilitation and has been tested and trusted for decades. Its flexibility and resilience make it ideal for specific situations, particularly when adaptability and patient comfort are priorities.
Zirconia:
At the other end of the spectrum, zirconia is exceptionally hard and dense. Many practitioners favor it for its strength—which certainly has advantages—but it’s important to recognize that its rigidity offers no shock absorption. This can lead to excessive stress and potential failure of the underlying support structures (such as abutments and implants). Additionally, zirconia cannot be easily adjusted or reconfigured. Many patients request modifications after their initial healing period, or over time may wish to alter the space beneath their bridges—changes that are not possible with zirconia restorations.
Nano Ceramic:
Nano composite materials offer an excellent balance between PMMA and Zirconia. While harder than PMMA, they retain a degree of resilience that helps disperse bite forces more safely and protectively. Their increased hardness contributes to longevity and esthetics.
Implant Warranties:
How long is the warranty on my implants?
Implants are manufacturer-warrantied for life – If a dental implant fails, we will replace the implant at no cost, for up to 1 year. After one year, there are costs for surgical removal/replacement of the implant. The fee for surgical removal is $1,000 per implant, and replacement is $1,500 per implant. Fees for sedation and the fabrication of (non-warrantied) new bridges, should that be required, are not included in these costs.
Important note: G4 patients that are not in good standing still receive this cost protection – surgical and new bridge COST for ANY G4 patients regardless of office and standing are much lower than any outside offices. Patients in good standing that select new bridges or would like to upgrade receive PMMA (set) for $4,000 or $8,000 for Nano-ceramic (set). Patients who are not in good standing pay a cost of $6,000 for PMMA (set) and/or $10,000 for Nano (set).
What does the implant manufacturer’s warranty cover?
What are the costs if an implant fails after the 1st year?
See Implant Warranty Information above
What maintenance is required to keep my warranty valid?
A patient must be in ‘good standing’ for bridge warranties to be maintained. A patient is in good standing if they are seen yearly at one of the G4 offices. Please note that Smoking voids both surgical and prosthetic warranties.
What happens if I miss my recare appointment?
Please contact the office as soon as possible. The recare appointment, specifically the first 6 months, is necessary for detection and correction of any potential problems that may arise. If this appointment is missed, your warranties are voided.
Nightguards:
Is the nightguard covered under the warranty?
No, nightguards are used to help protect your investment or to treat patients with aggravated grinding habits. An initial nightguard is provided post op for each new Nano patient to help protect against parafunctional movements during the first 6 months. Due to the innate properties of the PMMA material, a nightguard is not recommended immediately unless an underlying factor suggests one would be beneficial.
What is the cost to replace a lost or damaged nightguard?
Smoking/Tobacco/Nicotine Usage
How does smoking affect my implants and Bridges?
Smoking, or more specifically Nicotine reduces blood flow in the mouth which delays healing. Bone is a slow growing tissue which is why when you break your arm the fragments must be immobilized with a cast to ensure proper healing. You heal the same way in the mouth – if there is movement on your implants during the healing stage, the bone is unable to grow and encapsulate the implant; instead, soft tissue surrounding the implant invades this space, and the implant ultimately fails.
If I use nicotine products, will my warranty be voided?
Can I be tested for nicotine use?
Yes, if nicotine use is suspected you must consent to testing or your warranties are voided.
What are the consequences of a positive nicotine test?
All warranties are voided.
Diabetes & Implants; Systemic Conditions:
How does diabetes affect implant success?
We treat many diabetic patients with great success! Just having diabetes does not preclude you from dental implant treatment, but it is something we want to address with your doctor before undergoing surgery. A patient with well-controlled diabetes should experience the same success rates as patients without diabetes. The best indicator of how well a patient’s diabetes is controlled is through a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) number. Results under 7 indicate risks associated with diabetes are considered acceptable, and all warranties associated with the surgery and prosthetic hold as normal. If your A1c is above 7, Do NOT stress out! During our surgical workup and discussion with your treating doctor, we will ask your physician if your numbers are optimized for treatment. If your A1c is too high, your doctor may suggest changes in diet or medication to help bring your numbers down.
What other health conditions can impact implant success?
Do I need lab work prior to the procedure?
Yes, you do! Teeth are very important and getting the smile you deserve must be done as safely as possible. Due to the scope of work and level of anesthesia, every patient undergoing treatment at one of the G4 centers must submit adequate labs and consults before scheduling surgery. The labs and consults ordered are specifically catered to each patient; however, we require at a minimum the following: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), and a 12-lead ECG. If a patient is being seen by a specialist, we will reach out to them for a medical consultation.
Antidepressant Medications:
If I take antidepressants, will my outcome be impacted?
SSRIs (specifically Zoloft) have a causal link demonstrating a minor increase in implant failure. SSRIs by themselves are most likely not going to cause a failure on their own, but if a patient is on SSRIs and possesses other risk factors – diabetes, smoking, osteoporosis, etc. your doctor may require more comprehensive, specific recommendations for you.
What should I do if I am prescribed SSRIs after my procedure?
We know this type of surgery can be a little scary, and it’s a big investment. So if you’re still not 100% sure the G4 Implant Solution is right for you, please reach out to us. Whether you schedule a call with one of our experts or want to receive helpful emails, contacting us directly is the best way to get the information you need. And the peace of mind you deserve.
Available only at our Dallas location