For many decades, dentures were the standard – and were the only available treatment for dental patients with missing teeth. However, they are highly inconvenient, are not fully dependable when biting into food, and are not always very natural-looking or natural-feeling.
Today, you can now get dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Let’s talk about what dental implants are, how they work, and why they are such an excellent alternative to dentures.
The Problem with Dentures
Dentures may provide teeth replacements, but they come with a price beyond what you pay. For instance, dentures give your face a sunken look, which can make you look much older. Moreover, over time, dentures can contribute to bone loss due to the weight and pressure applied to the jawbone when they are used.
Because dentures tend to be so bulky and uncomfortable, they can easily fall out of the mouth – which can be embarrassing. They need to be realigned and replaced regularly in order to help prevent this from happening.
To add to the discomfort, dental patients with dentures also struggle to eat certain foods that are hard and chewy. It is not advised to bite directly into an apple, corn on the cob, or other foods that harness the front teeth for biting down. Plus, dentures require specialized cleaning.
Compare all of this to dental implants, which are essentially brand-new teeth that are implanted into your jaw. Implants are cleaned like regular teeth, and they look and function like regular teeth without the worry of their falling out of your mouth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most popular alternatives to dentures thanks to their stability and durability. Each implant naturally fuses with your jawbone.
It begins with your dentist implanting a metal anchor, and then a post and a crown are added to it to make it look and act like a real tooth. And since it is implanted right into your jawbone, it helps retain the integrity of the jawbone and thus helps to prevent bone loss.
Do Dental Implants Look Natural?
The result of having implanted teeth replacements is that they look and feel like your natural teeth. Dental implants mimic the look of the rest of your teeth, so nobody will ever know you have dental implants. Even you yourself might forget that you have them.
Plus, dental implants are very durable thanks to the very tough material used – they can last your whole lifetime. You clean your implants just as you do your natural teeth, so standard brushing and flossing will do. All of this is why dental implants are the most convenient and reliable alternatives to dentures today.
Cosmetic Dentist in St. Paul, Minnesota
If you are embarrassed about living with missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. At Hagerman Dental Care, we specialize in various procedures to restore oral health and appearance, from cosmetic dentistry to restorative dentistry. Our goal is to give you back your smile and your confidence.
We welcome you to our dental clinic in the Twin Cities. To schedule a consultation, please call Hagerman Dental Care at (651) 646-2392 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to serving you and providing dental care for the whole family!