Did you know that almost half of Americans are missing at least one tooth? According to the American College of Prosthodontists, roughly 178 million Americans lack at least one pearly of their whites. Unfortunately, a gapped smile affects your appearance, resulting in a hit to your self-esteem. Here are five ways that dental implants can not only restore your beautiful smile but your confidence too!
#1. They Look Like Your Natural Teeth
One of the most amazing things about dental implants is how they replace the entire tooth structure, including the root. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, the implants are embedded into your jawbone using a titanium post. With time, your jawbone naturally grows around the posts, which forms a bond that is as strong as your natural teeth! Dental implants not only offer the aesthetical benefit of looking like your natural teeth, but they are also fully functional.
#2. They Provide Stability to Your Smile
Missing teeth impact more than just the look of your smile; they can affect your oral health. When there is an empty space in your mouth, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants restore the entirety of your teeth, all the way down to the bone, which returns your full bite power. This stimulates your entire jawbone, preventing any further deterioration.
#3. They Make You Look More Youthful
Your teeth provide you with the ability to enjoy delicious food and smile brightly at people, but did you know they also keep you looking younger? Your teeth provide shape and structure to your face. Even one missing tooth can cause your teeth to shift and bone loss to occur. When the lower part of your face starts to diminish, it can cause excess wrinkles and gradual sagging. Your dental implant restores the shape of your visage by replacing your teeth and, as stated above, prevents bone loss. It helps to support the adjacent teeth around it, causing a stable structure for your face. This equals a complete smile, plus a more youthful look!
#4. They Help You to Communicate Clearly
One of the most difficult aspects of having an incomplete smile how is how it affects your ability to freely communicate with others without feeling self-conscious. Missing teeth can cause you to shy away from conversations because it has the tendency to alter your pronunciation of words. Dental implants can instantly restore clear speech. You can return to connecting with others with confidence!
#5. They Can be Counted on for a Long Time
While dental bridges and dentures can only last around ten years, dental implants can literally last your lifetime! Since the titanium posts inserted into your jaw are biocompatible with your body (meaning nontoxic and accepted by your body), it fully integrates into your mouth. You can live your life with no worries about any unexpected mishaps. If you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist for your biannual checkups and exams, you can expect your dental implant to last to its fullest life span.
About the Author
Dr. Khushboo Gandhi and her team at Murphy Dental Home are eager to help you return to a whole and healthy smile! She completed the Advanced Education program for international students at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry and is an active member of Spear Education. With the use of advanced technology and personalized plans, the entire dental implant can be completed at Murphy Dental Home. To schedule a consultation, contact her through her website or call (972) 449-5120.