If you have damaged or missing teeth, there are several options open to you. But the best, by far, is a dental implant – or implants. This is why.
Preventing bone loss
When you lose your teeth, you also tend to lose bone mass in your jaw. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that helps stimulate the jaw bone and protects you from bone loss.
Matching your natural teeth
Modern implants and bridges are more natural-looking than ever before, but nothing quite matches your teeth like dental implants. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes and your dentist will make sure to customize yours according to the color and shape of your existing teeth.
Restoring bite force
Dentures and bridges aren’t anchored into place as strongly because they sit on top of the gums but dental implants are anchored into your jaw with a titanium screw strong enough to allow you to bite into something with the same force as natural teeth.
Keeping your face in shape
As you probably know, teeth play an important role in supporting your facial structure. When you lose your teeth, that support is also lost, and the shape of your face is affected, making you look older. Dental implants protect you from that, keeping your face shape intact.
Enabling speech
It’s a well-known fact that missing teeth can affect your speech, causing you to lisp and mumble. But because dental implants function like natural teeth, they’ll help you speak the way you used to.
Preventing cavities
One of the great things about dental implants is they can’t decay. You’ll never have to worry about cavities. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brush your teeth regularly though. Cavity or no cavity, bacteria building up in your mouth can cause nasty infections.
Easy to look after
Unlike, say, dentures, dental implants don’t need additional care. You won’t need cups, cleansing tablets or special flossers. Just brush twice a day and floss once a day, the way you would with your natural teeth, and all will be well.
Protecting you from embarrassing moments
The problem with dentures is you might feel a little self-conscious about them slipping when you speak, laugh or eat. Modern dentures fit better than the ones in the past, but they can still shift inside your mouth. Because dental implants are firmly anchored to your jaw bone, you’ll never have to worry about any slippage.
A permanent solution
Dentures and bridges are subject to wear and tear so you’ll be required to repair or replace them occasionally. But dental implants will last you for life. That’s definitely something to smile about.