Many people avoid asking about dental implants because they’re afraid that the treatment might not be very cost-effective. Or they could feel intimidated by the treatment steps that may or may not be needed for the implant placement. In reality, dental implants are one of the smartest investments that you can make in your smile. Here’s why:
Long-Term Success
Dental implants have the highest success outcome out of any modern dental procedure. When other treatments like crowns or bridges last for several years, implants last for several decades. They have the potential to last your whole life without ever needing to be replaced. That means less treatment for you, and less money that you spend on follow up dental care. Other types of treatments may need to be replaced 2 or 3 times in a lifetime before the natural teeth eventually give out and need to be replaced.
Impact on Your Other Teeth
When you have missing teeth, your other teeth suffer. You might not notice it, but gradually they will begin drifting out of place – leaning, shifting, or even erupting further out of the jaw. Why? There isn’t another tooth to help keep it in place. As your teeth move, they also begin wearing down abnormally because of the change in your bite. TMJ disorders can also develop.
You could grind down a healthy tooth in order to cement a permanent restoration in place like a bridge. Or, you have an implant installed that functions as a stand-alone tooth. Implants prevent the need to alter healthy teeth and restore normal function as well as aesthetics to your smile. They also keep teeth from drifting out of alignment.
Lifestyle Benefits
Restoring your smile with dental implants goes deeper than just your dental health. It changes the way you look, feel, and how you experience everyday life. By choosing dental implants, you can:
• Smile and talk confidently around your friends
• Enjoy meals without worrying about the inconvenience of biting and chewing
• Experience permanent teeth that look and feel like real ones
• Feel better about the way your smile looks
• Strengthen bones and enhance your facial profile
Flexible Restoration Options
Implants can let you replace as many teeth as you need. Whether it’s one tooth in the front of your smile or all of your teeth at one time, the options are limitless! Single teeth are usually replaced with one implant with a crown. Two implants and a fixed bridge can support 3 or 4 teeth in a row. If all of your teeth are gone, you can elect to have an implant-supported denture that fits great all day long. In fact, as few as 4 implants can support a permanently affixed denture!
Don’t Put it Off
If you’ve decided that you want to have dental implants, it’s best to have them placed as soon as possible. Waiting too long could cause bone loss, movement of other teeth, or changes in your entire bite. An implant might fit well today, but waiting months from now to even talk about it could make it a more lengthy process to complete. Some dental implants can be placed the very same day that a tooth is removed! The sooner you have your dental implant treatment completed, the stronger your smile can be. With different types of implants and restorations to choose from, there’s an option for just about everyone.
Are dental implants an option for you? There’s only one way to find out. Visit our dental implants information page to see what dental implant choices you have, and how you could enjoy a healthier looking smile. Schedule your implant consultation today.
Still not sure?
Check out our dental implants FAQ’s section to help answer any questions you have about dental implants.
