How to Know If You Need Dental Implants

At Elevate Smile Design, we believe there is a solution to every dental problem. We provide many of those solutions to our patients to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile. One path to addressing prolonged dental problems is receiving dental implants. They can restore lost confidence in a smile and help to keep teeth healthy, beautiful, and functional. If you’re considering a tooth replacement option but are unsure if dental implants are the right restorative treatment for you, read on to learn about a few problems they can address:

Insecurity About Your Smile

Do you keep your mouth closed while taking pictures or feel self-conscious smiling when meeting new people due to gaps in your smile? If so, it’s time to consider taking measures to gain a smile that you’ll be proud to show off. Dental implants provide strong and natural-looking teeth that can last for a lifetime with proper care. If you’ve been hiding your grin because of missing teeth, dental implants are not only worth the investment for the confidence boost in your appearance, but they’ll solve a myriad of other issues too!

Gaps Detrimental to Your Oral Health

Tooth gaps aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they can increase your risk for bad breath, tooth decay, and infection through food traps. Food traps are caused by holes in the gums where teeth are missing. Additionally, neighboring teeth can begin to shift into the gap, creating crooked and overlapping teeth that are more difficult to keep clean. Fortunately, dental implants are an effective way to keep your smile cleaner and properly aligned.

Frustration with Your Dentures

Dentures require additional maintenance and cleaning, need to be adjusted and refitted every few years, can shift throughout the day, and can make speaking and chewing feel different. In contrast, with dental implants, there is no worry about any of the common complaints concerning dentures.

Trouble Chewing or Talking

If dentures or missing teeth are making it difficult for you to speak clearly or chew properly, it’s time to think about getting dental implants. They are sturdy and durable and will allow you to speak with confidence and chew food without limitation. The foundation of a dental implant is a biocompatible titanium rod placed in the bone beneath the gumline. Once they fully heal, they are firmly rooted and integrated into your jawbone. Unlike dentures or removable bridges, dental implants stay in place 24/7. (Keep in mind that the integrity of your dental implants can be compromised if you do not maintain healthy gums.)