We see it all the time—patients who are desperate for a solution to their gapped-toothed smiles and caving facial features. Having missing teeth doesn’t just affect the function of a person’s smile, it changes the way they feel about themselves and their lives. Thankfully, dentists offer an effective, safe, and long-lasting solution through dental implants.
As dental professionals, our goal is to help patients achieve a healthy, beautiful, and function smile. For many patients, dental implants are the key! Check out this blog to learn how dental implants can improve your smile and life.
Improved Smile
Although aesthetics isn’t our main concern, improved appearance is one of the greatest benefits of dental implants. When a patient has one or more missing teeth replaced, he or she becomes much more confident and comfortable with their smile.
In turn, they smile more because they are no longer scared to show their teeth and because they are happier as well.
Improve Appearance
Along with replacing one or more missing teeth, dental implants strengthen the jawbone which reduces jawbone atrophy.
Atrophy—or bone deterioration—causes the face to droop and facial features to cave in. This occurs because there is no tooth root to stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong; it is important that we point this out because we want patients to understand that this benefit only comes from dental implants. Dentures and dental bridges only restore the crown of the tooth, not the root.
Another reason aesthetics are important is that we want our patients to feel confident and self-assured. A less-than-perfect smile can certainly be the reason for low self-esteem which affects every area of a person’s life. As dental professionals, we want our patients to have healthy smiles as well as beautiful ones!
Restored Function
Missing teeth can make chewing and talking much more difficult. People with missing teeth may struggle to eat some of their favorite foods like apples or steak. Additionally, when we don’t chew our foods enough, our digestive systems suffer.
Depending on where the missing tooth or teeth are, a person may suffer from a speech impediment. In addition to being insecure about their smile, they may be self-conscious when speaking to others. Imagine the impact that could have on a person’s work and personal life.
Thankfully, dental implants can completely restore a person’s ability to chew and speak properly so these other problems are resolved as well.
Lifetime Solution
One major advantage of dental implants is that they typically last a lifetime. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, most patients never need to have their dental implant replaced because of the highly-successful procedure and biocompatible materials.
When patients choose an experienced and trusted dentist to plan their dental implant treatment, they are much less likely to experience complications. This is because the dentist knows what a suitable candidate for dental implants looks like and places the implant properly. In more complex cases, the dentist may recommend the patient to an oral surgeon for the implant placement.
Whatever the case, dental implant patients can rest assured knowing that their restoration will be extremely long-lasting.
Dental Implants in Austin, TX
Are you ready to have your beautiful and functioning smile back? Our gentle and experienced dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is prepared to do just that! Call us today to schedule your initial consultation at (512) 346-4690.
