Are you generous with your smiles, sharing them at every opportunity with everyone? Or are you hesitant to smile, embarrassed of your tooth loss? If the latter, you’re not alone!
Did you know that:
- 30 million people in the US are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws.
- 26% of people over the age of 74 in the US are missing all of their teeth.
- 69% of people ages 35-44 in the US have lost at least one permanent tooth.
- 500,000 people in the US get dental implants each year.
How to Help These Hesitant Smiles?
For those of you hiding your smiles, there is hope! With advancements in modern technology and ongoing dental research, new materials and techniques continue to make tooth replacement more functional, safe, and long-lasting than ever before. One of the most common ways to transform toothless smiles is through the placement of dental implants.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are the modern way to replace missing teeth – they function as your own natural teeth would. The implants themselves are made up of several parts. First, a titanium post is inserted into the bone by your oral surgeon. This post serves as your tooth “root”. Your dentist will then attach a new tooth (called a “crown”) to the post using a connector, called an “abutment”. The result is a new tooth that looks and feels completely natural, allowing you to speak as usual and eat whatever you want.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have numerous advantages, from both a health and cosmetic standpoint.
Dental implants:
- are durable and stable, allowing you to eat whatever you like.
- are natural looking, matching your “real” teeth in color and shape.
- have a 98% success rate.
- generally last significantly longer than conventional bridges.
- are convenient, very easy to clean, and simple to care for.
- are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options.
Additionally, dental implants can:
- slow or stop bone loss.
- boost self-esteem and confidence.
- improve overall oral health.
- improve speech.
- make eating easier and more enjoyable.
- stop further tooth loss. Supporting teeth are often lost with bridges and dentures
While dental implants have many functional and health benefits, perhaps their greatest benefit is their ability to restore hesitant smiles… because a smile is to be shared!