Do you have cracked, gapped, or missing teeth? Are you thinking about getting dental implants?
Believe it or not, the benefits of dental implants extend beyond cosmetic improvements. In fact, the best dental implants can help your health, confidence, and even your social life.
Here’s why you should be considering dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Unlike options like dentures, dental implants are permanent fixtures in your teeth. They replace your actual tooth roots with metal, screwlike posts. Your jaw will then be given time to heal around the implant and bond with the jawbone, which is usually anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
A permanent crown will replace your actual tooth and get joined to the implant. Dental implants could take several procedures, depending on the overall health of your jaw and teeth.
If you have one or more missing teeth but an overall healthy mouth, you could be a great candidate for dental implants. While they tend to cost a little more than other cosmetic dental procedures, there are a number of reasons why folks are willing to invest the time and money in quality implant work.
1. Longevity
With regular brushing and flossing, a dental implant screw can last a lifetime. This may, however, vary from person to person.
Compare that with dentures, which need to get replaced every 5 to 10 years. If you are interested in a solution to your cosmetic dental problem that could last for decades or more, dental implants could be for you.
2. Improve Oral Health
When you have cracked or missing teeth, it’s easy for bacteria to build up in your mouth and cause infections. With dental implants and regular dental hygiene, you could decrease your risk of cavities.
Bacteria attacking the tissue around your teeth can also cause gum disease. In its milder form, gum disease is known as gingivitis. Symptoms include puffy gums, bad breath, and bleeding when you brush.
A more serious gum disease, however, is known as periodontitis. This can lead to sensitive teeth and even tooth loss. Periodontitis has even gotten linked to other serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.
It’s important not to take a chance with your oral health. If you have cracked or missing teeth, dental implants can provide the permanent solution you need to get back on track.
3. Prevent Bone Loss
Losing teeth also means that you will lose some of the bone mass in your jaw. Unlike other cosmetic dentistry options, dental implants can replace jaw bone stimulation.
Left untreated, loss of jawbone can lead to a collapse of your facial features. This can make you appear older. If you’re serious about maintaining jawbone health, dental implants can be a wonderful option.
4. Eat What You Like
If you have missing teeth, options like dentures can cause a permanent change in your diet. You’ll need to avoid foods like tough meat, nuts, and popcorn.
With dental implants, there are a number of foods you’ll need to avoid directly after surgery. These include crunchy, sticky, or extremely hot options. However, once your jaw is healed, you can go back to enjoying most of your favorite foods the way you did before.
5. Easy Maintenance
Options like dentures require extra care. You’ll have to soak and brush them daily.
With dental implants, you need only to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. It’s also important to keep up with your regular dental cleanings.
6. Restore Your Speech
Missing teeth can lead to the development of an embarrassing speech impediment. And dentures can slip, leading to further problems with your speech.
Dental implants, however, look and feel like your natural teeth. They will allow you to speak both easily and naturally.
7. Supports Existing Teeth
The right dental implant will support the adjacent teeth on either side of the crown. This can prevent further shifts and misalignment. If you want to avoid further problems with your smile, dental implants can put you on the right track.
8. Improved Confidence
The right dental implants will get matched as closely as possible to your existing teeth. No one needs to know that you’re wearing a crown.
Folks with cracked or missing teeth can often get embarrassed by their crooked smiles. The right implants, however, can make a big improvement to your professional, social, and family life. You can smile confidently knowing that your grin is nothing to be ashamed of.
Affording Implants
One of the main ways folks make cosmetic dentistry affordable is through their dental insurance. This can pay for at least part of the cost.
Your cosmetic dentist may be able to help you with the remaining balance. For example, they may offer a payment plan that allows you to pay off the work a little each month. This can make it easier to fit implants into your budget.
In addition, you can ask your employer about a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) These plans allow you to set aside a certain amount of money each month that can get used for paying off your dental work. The money is tax-sheltered, so you can keep more of what you earn.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
If you have cracked or missing teeth, you need to know about the benefits of dental implants. With the right treatment and the right dentist, you could be on your way to a beautiful new smile in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your teeth now. For a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area, contact us today.