Missing teeth can affect more than just the appearance of your smile–their absence can also make you look older than your actual age. For this reason, our Grand Rapids restorative dentists offer several tooth replacement options. One of which is dental implants.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (typically made of titanium) that supports a crown. The implant itself is permanently embedded into your jawbone to look and function like a natural tooth. If you’re interested in replacing lost teeth, ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery.

Here are a few of the benefits you can expect with dental implants.

Avoid Wearing Dentures

There are many ways in which we age. However, simply shrugging off poor teeth as part of aging can undermine more than your looks. People who wear dentures for years will eventually experience facial collapse once their lower jaw deteriorates enough. When this happens, it becomes difficult to refit dentures so patients can chew without pain.

Even well-fitting dentures will occasionally slip when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or even smile. The abrupt movement causes dentures to shift. While this can be discreetly corrected by gently biting down and swallowing, many of our patients would prefer to avoid this hassle altogether. You never have to worry about slipping dentures when you choose dental implants.

Enjoy Manageable Oral Care

Unlike other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants can be cared for like natural teeth. There are no sticky adhesives or cleansers needed. Simply brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once daily, and visit our office for regular dental checkups.

Once dental implants are placed in your mouth, it’s important to keep them clean. Even though the post and crown are artificial, plaque can still build up and result in infection. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to prevent excess plaque from accumulating.

Prevent Facial Collapse

Yes, dental implants have an effect on the appearance of your smile. However, they also improve oral health. As soon as you lose a tooth, you are at risk for further tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and facial collapse. Facial collapse not only changes the shape of your face, but makes you look older. Fortunately, our dentists can help you find a solution that works for your smile.

It’s never too late to improve your oral health. If you’ve already lost jawbone tissue, ask one of our dentists if you’re a candidate for a bone graft. That way, you’ll have sufficient jawbone tissue to stabilize your dental implants.

Protect Remaining Teeth

If you’ve lost your teeth due to aging, injury, or illness, call our dentists as soon as possible to explore your tooth replacement options. Dental implants can help you look years younger by filling the gaps in your smile and preventing further tooth loss.

Without a tooth implant, surrounding teeth will tilt toward the open space and crowd. This movement can put some at risk of falling out. Regain the ability to eat comfortably, smile proudly, and speak clearly with dental implants.

Smile with Confidence

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about missing teeth, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with one of our restorative dentists. Many of our patients report feeling more self-confident after receiving dental implants. Unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain foods or learning how to speak around a bulky oral appliance. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth.

A smile conveys confidence and optimism, which is important for forming good first impressions. How people respond to you often forms the basis of personal relationships and business partnerships. You owe it to yourself to show the world the best side of you.

Choose the Alternative to Dentures

Our Grand Rapids, MI, restorative dentists can help you explore your tooth replacement options, including the dental implant procedure. To schedule an appointment, call GR Family Dental at (616) 455-3020.

Check out our other blogs to learn more about dental implants:

• Eat Your Favorite Foods Again with Dental Implants
• Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants?
• What Are Mini Dental Implants?
• What Are My Options for Replacing a Tooth?

This blog has been updated.