Long-term solutions to missing teeth can help restore your smile as well as your entire life!
Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth happen for a number of reasons. Maybe you got them knocked out, maybe you had to have them extracted, or maybe they were never there to begin with. Regardless of how it happened, there are a number of long-term solutions to fill in the gaps quite literally. Some of the options include dentures, dental bridges, retainers, and dental implants. By far, the most permanent solution is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth fitted and installed by a trained dental professional. The process takes a lot of patience, from start to finish it can take a few months but once complete dental implants are pretty well maintenance-free! Each implant can last a lifetime with proper care and installation. And they look and act just like real teeth! Dental implants are made up of two main components. The first is a metal post and the second is a tooth-colored acrylic crown.
How They Work
The implant process begins with your dentist taking into consideration the condition of your mouth. There are very specific requirements for an implant to be successful.
The first requirement is to have healthy gums; this will lower your chances of developing an infection and increase your chances of success.
Next, your bones need to be strong enough to support the metal implant. If your bone is not strong enough, your dentist may suggest a special bone graft.
The third step in the process is to drill the implant into your jaw bone. This will act as your tooth’s root securing the missing tooth solution to the mouth much better than dental adhesive.
Once your bone heals tightly around the implant, You will be ready for the next step in the dental implant process. If your bone does not heal properly, your dentist may suggest a bone graft along with a second attempt.
Once your metal post is accepted into the jaw, your dentist will top it with your missing tooth solution. Single, or multiple teeth can be mounted on an implant post. Likely your solution will be made from tooth-colored acrylic. Once the crown is added the process is complete and you can enjoy unrestricted use of your new tooth and jaw! These benefits will last you years into the future, well beyond the lifespan of dentures, dental bridges, retainers, and temporary flippers.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
There are a number of dental benefits unique to dental implants. Here are the eight long-lasting impacts dental implants can have on a patient and their life:
1. Unrestricted Use
Unlike other missing tooth solutions, dental implants are extremely secure in your jaw. The implant will not fall out the way dentures can, and does not need to be removed to eat like a retainer. You will find it easier to fully chew your food and will be able to eat anything you want again!
2. Value
The value of your dental implants is unlike any other missing tooth solutions. Dental implants cost a few thousand dollars each. This is not a cheap solution, but is well worth the money in comparison to other solutions. Dentures can cost up to $10,000 and should be replaced every 10 years. Implants cost less than dentures and sometimes never need to be replaced!
3. Easier Speech
When you are missing teeth, natural speech habits may be challenging. With a full set of teeth thanks to dental implants, you will likely have a much easier time with speaking.
4. Face Structure
Your facial structure is strongly supported by your jaw and teeth, when you are missing one or more teeth, your entire face may change shape. Introducing even just one dental implant can restore your original jaw position and improve your facial appearance.
5. Improved Oral Health
Because a dental implant acts very similar to a regular tooth, There is very little specialized care you need to do to maintain a healthy mouth. When you have alternative solutions like dental bridges you must be extremely cautious when it comes to caring for your teeth as well as your missing tooth solution.
6. Better Tooth Arrangement
When you lose a tooth, naturally, the other teeth in your mouth will gradually begin to move. As teeth shift, you may end up with spaces in between disrupting your teeth’s natural appearance. Fitting a dental implant in the place of a missing tooth will prevent other teeth from moving.
7. Versatile
One of the other great things about dental implants is the fact that they can be used as a tool in many other dental solutions. For example, full sets of dentures can be secured to dental implants using the all-on-4 technique. Implant posts can also house dental bridges!
8. Improved Confidence
Being confident in yourself can sometimes be a challenge. When you are missing teeth, you might feel self-conscious about smiling. Dental implants can help restore your smile and your confidence. Smiling will no longer be something you have to think twice about! Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about remembering to put your teeth in each morning!
Interested in learning more about dental implants, whether you’re a candidate, and how they can change your life? Talk to your local dentist today and ask about how you qualify!
Author’s Bio
Nicole Howe is a content writer at BreezeMaxWeb. When she isn’t writing, you can find her walking half marathons, biking, or watching Raptors basketball!
