Teeth can be lost in a trauma or accident. Gum disease can cause loose teeth that eventually fall out. And some permanent teeth never erupt. Whatever the cause of a missing tooth, there are bigger problems in play than an unsightly hole in your smile. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a smart, long-lasting, natural-looking solution that keeps your teeth healthy.
Problems Caused by Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a revolutionary way to repair and replace teeth. The benefits are not just aesthetic, they are restorative, ensuring that your smile is fully functional so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Here are just some reasons why you might need a dental implant:
- Your teeth are starting to move. When you are missing a tooth, nearby teeth may begin to shift around to take that tooth’s place. This tooth movement will put your smile out of alignment, both visually and physically. If you have worn orthodontics in the past, teeth that are moving around can absolutely ruin that extensive effort and investment.
- The missing teeth have affected your face shape. Over time, missing teeth can impact the shape of your face, particularly if the absent teeth are located on your bottom jaw. The face can start to sink in where the missing teeth are supposed to be because the jaw isn’t being stimulated and the muscles aren’t being supported. This can create a shriveled or shrunken look.
- You look older than you are. Understandably, one of the biggest complaints people have is that their missing teeth make their smile look unsightly – and, those missing teeth have also aged them. You don’t want to look older than you are because of missing teeth that can be easily and effectively replaced, permanently.
- Your other teeth are starting to loosen. It is possible that if one tooth has been lost, more will follow, particularly the neighbors to the missing tooth, and especially if you are suffering from gum disease. If your gums are infected, this problem will need to be addressed before any restorative efforts are undertaken so your mouth is healthy and willing to accept dental repairs.
Besides the obvious benefits of revitalizing your appearance and making you look younger and healthier, when dental implants are put in place they also stimulate the jaw and substitute for the original tooth root.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Dental implants work for many patients, but for those who are averse to the treatment or are seeking an alternative that works better for them, two equally effective options include dental bridges and dentures.
Fixed dental bridges can bridge the gap between two teeth. They are secured in place by hidden clasps and porcelain crowns that serve as abutments on either side of the tooth. With proper care, bridges can last for decades, just like dental implants.
When missing many teeth on the upper or lower jaw, some patients prefer dentures. Modern dentures are far more comfortable to wear and easier to maintain. They can be held in place with denture adhesive, attached to healthy teeth using clasps, or attached to dental implants.
Dental implants are a secure, easy to maintain, permanent, natural-looking method of tooth replacement. They help you maintain your face shape and length, along with making it easy for you to chew and speak again, by taking the place of original tooth roots.
Restore your oral health and you will restore your confidence. Schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Chi Fu at Chester Hill Dentistry.