If you have been living with missing teeth, you might be wondering what you can do to correct your smile. Although you might assume that you will have to live with dentures for the rest of your life or endure a gappy, unprofessional-looking smile, there is an innovative, highly effective alternative: dental implants.
Unlike bridges or partial dentures, which are held in place by your surrounding teeth or pressure-fitted to your jaw tissue, dental implants are actually anchored into your jawbone, just like your natural teeth. This means that dental implants look and function just like the teeth they were meant to replace.
Unfortunately, many patients are nervous about investing in dental implants, since they can cost a lot more than bridges or dentures. However, this investment is money well spent, since dental implants are the ideal solution for missing teeth. Here are a few reasons why.
Natural Appearance
If you have a dental bridge, it might be supported by the surrounding teeth and held in place with small metal brackets. Although these supportive structures are usually small and discreet, they can be a dead giveaway that your teeth are false. Fortunately, because dental implants are anchored into the jaw, they are fixed, freestanding, and have a completely natural appearance. Dental implants are also milled, shaped, and dyed to blend in with your existing smile.
Low Maintenance
Because dental implants are anchored independently, they are also easier to care for. Patients with implants can brush and floss their implants right along with their natural teeth without worrying about getting in between small wires or being gentle with supportive brackets. Dental implants are also designed with synthetic material, which means that the tooth itself will not get cavities. Also, since dental implants are designed with durable materials, they have an incredible lifespan. In fact, some studies have shown that implants that have been cared for properly can last over 30 years.
Prevent Bone Loss
The most important reason to invest in dental implants is to protect your surrounding jawbone. Believe it or not, your jawbone relies on stimulation from your teeth as you eat and chew. This stimulation helps to prompt cell regeneration that keeps the jaw strong. Unfortunately, when teeth go missing, the jawbone tissue can slowly melt away, changing your face shape and making it more difficult to get implants in the future. However, unlike bridges and dentures, which only provide a small amount of stimulation, dental implants recreate these natural stimuli, keeping your jawbone strong.
If you are interested in perfecting your smile with the help of dental implants, contact Sherman Oaks Dental today.