Nobody should have to live with a smile they don’t like, especially one that’s incomplete. While there are numerous options for replacing and creating a complete set of teeth—like dentures and bridges—one solution, in particular, has been shown to be comfortable and long-lasting, as well as provide numerous other benefits to wearers: dental implants.

Although dental implants come at a higher price point than their alternatives, they are the longest-lasting solution and yield the best results for people missing one, some or all of their teeth. Not only do dental implants help recreate a natural-looking smile, they provide better support for your jaw and promote better mouth health.

If you are looking for a tooth replacement solution, you should speak with your dentist about dental implants. Before you do that, take a look at some of the great benefits dental implants offer people.

The basics of dental implants

Almost everyone knows what dentures are, but fewer people have even heard of dental implants, let alone understand how they work. In order to understand the impact dental implants can have in your mouth, you should first learn how they are done.

Dental implants are small cylindrical posts made of titanium that are placed in the jawbone where a tooth is to be replaced. By fusing the post with the jawbone, the implant is able to stand in for the root of the tooth and form a more stable foundation. A natural-looking crown or bridge is applied on top the post, creating a permanent fixture for the replacement tooth.

Once installed, dental implants don’t need to be removed daily—they act just like regular teeth in that they need to be brushed, flossed and checked on by a dentist regularly. Besides a few minor adjustments, implants can last upwards of 20 years, or possibly longer with proper care.

Benefits to smile about

There’s a reason people with dentures make the choice to switch to dental implants—they offer a lot of benefits to people seeking a natural-looking, comfortable smile! Check out these seven benefits of dental implants.

  1. Closest alternative to normal teeth: Because dental implants involve drilling into the jawbone and simulate a natural tooth’s root, they’re able to provide a similar look, feel and comfort level to your natural teeth. Dental implants can replace single missing teeth, as well as a few teeth missing in a row or all of your teeth, and will blend right in for years. You’ll be able to eat, speak, kiss, smile and more the same way you normally would.
  2. No shame in your smile: Your dental implants will be rooted in place, meaning there’s no chance of them slipping or falling like dentures are known to do. Because of this security, you won’t have to face any public embarrassment with your smile and can live your life without fear of clicking and shifting.
  3. Low maintenance: Unlike dentures, dental implants do not need to be removed and cleaned regularly. The implants are permanent and should be brushed just like your normal teeth. Besides everyday brushing and flossing, implants require very little maintenance besides being checked by a dentist during regular visits.
  4. Supports face shape: Without teeth, your face can start to sag and create a sunken appearance. This can happen even while using some tooth replacement options, so it’s important to understand what the side effects of each alternative are. With dental implants, your face will maintain its normal shape.
  5. Protects against bone deterioration: People who wear dentures or have no teeth may experience some deterioration of the jawbone because the bone wears away when it is not being used to support teeth. Since the implants are drilled into your jawbone, deterioration is less of an issue.
  6. Lasts a long time: Dental implants do not need to be replaced regularly like other tooth replacement solutions, such as dentures. They are very long-lasting and have been known to last the duration of the wearer’s lifetime, as long as they take proper care of them. Additionally, cavities can’t occur in dental implant crowns, which means it’s even harder to develop a need to have the crown replaced.
  7. Added support: When getting dental implants to replace a single tooth between healthy teeth, the dental implant will actually help support the existing healthy teeth. This is different from what happens with other types of tooth replacements—for example, bridges require the grinding of surrounding healthy teeth to attach the bridge. Dental implants will also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting due to their deep penetration to the jaw bones.

No matter if you’re looking to fill in a single gap from a missing tooth or find a permanent and more comfortable solution to a total lack of healthy teeth, dental implants can be a great way to regain your smile.

Give us a call to discuss whether dental implants are a good choice for you.