It is wrong to think that the main benefit of getting implants is merely aesthetic. Although it may be what primarily leads many to resort to the treatment, the advantages are even greater than what people actually know. Missing teeth don’t only take away your smile and confidence, but they also cause numerous negative effects on your oral health, such as chewing difficulties, bite changes, bone loss, shifting and drifting teeth and changes in the jaw joint. So, the decision to replace missing teeth with dental implants is a smart investment both for your appearance and oral health in general.
In the dental industry, there are of course other options available to replace missing teeth, as are fixed bridges and removable dentures. However, what makes dental implants a better, more effective and durable solution is the fact they are basically artificial roots, made out of titanium (a metal resistant to corrosion), implanted into the jawbone in the place of the original tooth. Before the artificial tooth (crown) can be affixed to the artificial root implant post, there is a healing period depending on the patient and the stability of the implant post followed by abutment placement over the post.
Advantages of choosing dental implants over conventional tooth replacement methods are:
- A beautiful, natural-looking outcome – Pretty much like natural teeth, implants are designed to be a stable, reliable and natural-looking restorative solution.
- Prevent and minimise bone loss – Because implants transmit chewing forces to the jaw bones, they help maintain bone and facial structure. Missing teeth may lead to shifting teeth and loss of facial structure.
- Preserve surrounding teeth – With conventional bridges, surrounding teeth must be ground for support. Inserting an implant in place of a missing tooth prevents damage on the adjacent healthy teeth.
- Comfort – Teeth implants don’t require palatal plates used with conventional dentures, so patients feel no obstruction when eating, talking and smiling with them.
Although implants have a very high success rate, over 95%, they are not for everyone. Generally, a person who does not have any serious health issues and has no problem with regular tooth extraction or other oral surgical procedures is considered a good candidate for teeth implants surgery. But it is crucial for the person to have enough jaw bone to hold and support the implant.
Like natural teeth, teeth implants require brushing and flossing to be kept clean. As soon as you get your implants, you can expect your dentist to recommend you the proper cleaning procedure and schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that your bite is right and your implant is not loose.
Smiling is good for your health, and the smile itself is the best accessory you can wear so why not share more of it. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to evaluate whether dental implants are an option for you!
References:
http://www.dentalonflinders.com.au/restorative/dental-implants/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancie-vito/10-ways-to-boost-your-confidence_b_5723324.html
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16514/11-powerful-reasons-to-smile.html