Five Reasons To Choose Dental Implants Over Other Dental Restorations

Permanent teeth are far from permanent. According to research, U.S. adults aged between 20 and 64 years only have approximately 25 teeth. Unfortunately, multiple missing teeth can impact one's overall quality of life. Not only do they leave unsightly gaps in the mouth, but they also affect oral aesthetics. Therefore, it's vital to find the right dental restorations to replace the missing teeth.

Dental implants are among the most popular prostheses used to replace missing teeth. However, they aren't the only choice. There are dentures and bridges with different variations as well. However, dental implants offer numerous benefits compared to other options. Below are five reasons why you should choose dental implants over dentures, bridges, and other restorations.

Implants Look Like Natural Teeth

One concern most people have with dental restorations is their appearance. Not all prostheses blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Most dentures have metal clasps that are visible when you smile. Furthermore, since dentures are removable, they don't feel like natural teeth. Some restorations may even fail to match the color of natural teeth, which causes them to stand out in the mouth. 

Most implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth. When designed by a specialist, implants look like clones of your natural teeth. They match the color and shape of the teeth, making it difficult for anyone to notice them. Therefore, you can replace your missing teeth without attracting unnecessary attention to your mouth. This can significantly boost self-confidence and ease social anxiety.

Implants Fuse With the Bone

Once a tooth is lost, the bone gradually breaks down. Dental restorations such as bridges and dentures don't address bone loss. They have no roots; instead, they sit on top of the gums. Severe bone loss can cause facial collapse due to the weakening of the facial muscles. Facial collapse causes tooth misalignment, premature wrinkling, and thinning of the lips.

Implants are the best dental restorations for stimulating bone growth. Implants are surgically placed in the gums, where they fuse with the surrounding bone. They act as the roots of natural teeth. As you chew, the pressure of the implant stimulates the jawbone and causes it to regenerate. Thus, unlike dentures and bridges, implants support tooth and bone health and protect your facial muscles.

Implants Function Better Than Natural Teeth

Natural teeth are prone to chipping, staining, and decay due to poor oral hygiene, bad habits, or accidental trauma. Whatever the case, you have to address the damage before it impacts your dental health. Implants may look and feel like natural teeth, but they function better than they do. Since they are artificial appliances, they do not stain or decay. Once you get implants, you don't have to worry about whitening or restoring them every few years.

Implants are Permanent

Most dental restorations have a limited lifespan. Over time, dentures start to fit loosely in the mouth due to changes in the jawbone. When maintained incorrectly, they can also chip or break. Bridges are anchored to natural teeth for support. Thus, once the natural teeth decay, chip, or fall out, the bridges lose their anchor. If you are looking for permanent restorations, dental implants are the best choice. 

Implants are permanently placed in the jawbone; thus, they can last a lifetime. When maintained correctly, the crown placed on the implant can last longer than dentures and bridges. Furthermore, since implants fuse with the jawbone, you don't have to worry about them becoming loose. All you may need to do is replace the crown when it wears out.

Implants are Low-Maintenance

The permanent nature of dental implants makes them incredibly low-maintenance. Unlike dentures, you don't need to remove the implants or crown for cleaning. Implants don't need to be repaired or adjusted to fit properly in the mouth. You only need to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for scheduled checkups as you did before. If the crown on an implant wears down, you can replace it without interfering with the implant itself.

Dental implants are arguably the best restorations for missing teeth. Contact your dentist for further consultation and treatment.