Regardless of how many went missing, tooth loss can greatly impact your self-esteem. It’s natural to feel self-conscious when you struggle with basic tasks that were once second nature, like chewing, speaking, and smiling. Plus, the gaps in your grin can leave you feeling anxious about your appearance.
Thankfully, your dentist can help restore your self-image with dental implants. These prosthetics are often considered the ideal replacements because of their many unique advantages. Continue reading to learn more about three ways getting them placed can rebuild your confidence!
Benefit #1: Natural Look and Feel
It’s natural to feel concerned that your artificial teeth might look fake or awkward next to your natural ones, but with dental implants, you can set your fears aside. They’re capped with a beautiful dental crown that’s customized to match the color, shape, and size of your remaining pearly whites.
Plus, the restoration that sits above your gumline is typically made from durable porcelain that reflects light like enamel. That means no one could tell the difference between the two just by looking. You’ll have a seamlessly repaired smile that you can be proud of.
Benefit #2: Fewer Dietary Restrictions
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants include a titanium rod that’s surgically inserted into your jaw. Once they’ve been in place for a few months, your bone fuses with the metal in a process known as osseointegration. This allows them to function as a sturdy, stand-alone structure with less risk of becoming damaged or displaced.
As a result, there are fewer dietary restrictions to contend with. Although overly hard, sticky, and sugary foods can potentially harm them, you can enjoy all your other favorite meals. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your prosthetics will function well and won’t embarrass you by falling out of place.
Benefit #3: Preserve Facial Structure
Did you know that your body absorbs bone mass from your jaw when teeth go missing? Without a root there to stimulate it, it stops producing new bone growth and begins to atrophy. As it weakens, it thins and lowers in height, which can alter your facial shape. You could develop sunken cheeks and saggy skin that makes you look older.
Fortunately, the support rod inserted into your jaw functions like a root to keep it active every time you bite down or chew. This prevents the deterioration that usually occurs so you can enjoy a more youthful visage for a longer period.
As you can see, there are several ways that dental implants can help you look and feel like your best self after suffering from tooth loss!
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner has decades of experience helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He graduated from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis and is one of fewer than 10 dentists who has achieved accreditation in both the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Now, he offers a wide array of services to meet your family’s oral care needs all under one roof. He’s an expert who can utilize state-of-the-art technology to help rebuild your smile with lifelike, long-lasting dental implants. You can request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (310) 477-1081.