If you’ve been concerned about missing teeth, it may well be affecting your self-esteem. Looking in the mirror, smiling for the camera, eating out with friends can all become stressful and uncomfortable situations. Thankfully, there is a way to replace missing teeth with a natural look that also functions like natural teeth.
What are dental implants?
Also known simply as implants, restoring a beaming smile can be achieved using titanium screws which are attached to the jaw and act as artificial roots for the replacement teeth. These screws ensure that the replacement teeth – crown, bridges or dentures – are held securely, so there is no need to worry about what you eat and you can chat freely, safe in the knowledge that they won’t loosen as you do.
What are the advantages of having implants?
Aside from the fact you can crunch into an apple a day or you can chew the cud with friends, implants also offer a natural look as they allow crowns, bridges or dentures to be fixed to them. A single tooth, several teeth or even a whole set of teeth can be replaced and the replacement teeth are made to match any of your remaining natural ones. This means that once you have had the treatment, nobody will know that you don’t have all of your own natural teeth. That’s definitely something to smile about! Another advantage to having implants is that they help to keep the structure in your face; sometimes, losing teeth can lead to your mouth shrinking, but with implants, you add structure to your face again. This further allows you to speak normally and when you’ve had missing teeth, you may even notice an improvement in your enunciation. Also, by filling in the gaps in your mouth, it protects your gums from infection and the other natural teeth from bacteria causing decay. Other advantages include increased comfort as they feel like your natural teeth. Nobody wants to have discomfort in their mouth, so this could offer a great way to have your cake and eat it! Furthermore, alternatives such as dentures on their own can be uncomfortable to wear, whereas when they are attached to implants, they are more comfortable and practical.
How to get implants
If you think that dental implants might be the solution to your concerns about your smile, you need to find a dentist who specialises in this treatment. You then need to book in for a consultation to find out if this is the right course of treatment for you. Occasionally, some people don’t have sufficient bone density in their jaws, but this can normally be corrected with a bone graft and your dentist can give you information about any treatment you would need and what treatment plan would work best for you. You will need to have temporary replacement teeth attached to the screws while they become embedded in your gums and then you can have permanent replacement teeth after this.
If this sounds like a dream treatment, there’s never a better time to find out more about implants and get smiling your best smile – wherever you are, whoever you’re with.
