Missing teeth can detract from your quality of life in several ways. Not only is it harder to chew food sufficiently and clearly enunciate words, but you could also develop anxiety over the changes to your appearance. After all, one of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and gaps in your grin are easily noticeable.
Fortunately, your dentist can restore your mouth’s functionality and appearance with dental implants. If you’re considering replacement teeth, continue reading to learn 3 of the cosmetic benefits of this treatment!
Perk #1: They Look & Feel Natural
If you’re concerned that your prosthetics will stick out like a sore thumb, you can thankfully set your fears aside. These replacement teeth are capped with a dental crown, or other appropriate restoration, typically made from durable porcelain. This material is chosen for its strength and resilience, and also because it reflects light like enamel.
Your dentist will customize your new tooth to match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth for truly seamless results. Once your implant is placed and you’ve fully recovered, no one will be able to tell the difference!
Perk #2: They Preserve Your Jawbone
Did you know that the roots of your teeth keep your jawbone healthy? Every time you bite down or chew, they stimulate new bone growth to maintain its strength over time. Unfortunately, when one goes missing, up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass can be lost within the first year. This gradual degeneration can eventually lead to additional tooth loss. Furthermore, the muscles and ligaments surrounding your jawbone go slack as it thins, leading to sunken-looking cheeks.
Dental implants are the only prosthetics that include a titanium rod embedded in your jaw to function like a root. After they’re surgically placed, your mouth gradually builds new bone growth to fuse with the metal pole, making it a permanent part of your grin. This maintains your jawbone to preserve your facial structure.
Perk #3: They Prevent Wrinkles
Many patients are surprised to learn that tooth loss can increase the number of fine lines on their face. Without two complete arches to maintain your smile’s fullness and roundness, the angles of your face can change. For instance, your face might seem shorter and less defined as the space between the nose and chin decreases. Plus, your lips, cheeks, and jowls start to sag without vibrant muscles keeping them taught, increasing facial wrinkles. Dental implants are the only restorations that preserve your jawbone to prevent additional lines from forming.
If you’re looking for replacement teeth that look and function like the real thing, contact your dentist today to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants!
Meet the Author
Dr. Tuan Nguyen enjoys helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, and is a member of several prestigious professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association. He provides a complete array of services so you and your family enjoy comprehensive care at one convenient location, including dental implants. He partners with the best local experts for your oral surgery, then provides a lifelike restoration meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 333-2733.