For patients looking to fill gaps caused by missing teeth, deciding on the type of restoration that provides a mixture of aesthetic appeal and long-term stability can be tricky. At Total Family Dental Specialists, we provide patients with dental implants for singular and multiple tooth replacements and have created this guide to help you understand why implant-supported restorations are the last word in cosmetic and functional teeth replacement.
Stability and Durability
Dental implants are second only to your natural teeth in their stability. Through the process of implantation and osseointegration—where implants bond into bone—implants support your restoration as the root of a natural tooth would. The implant itself is designed to last a lifetime, and will need only require a new crown should the previous restoration become damaged.
Larger restorations held in place by implants are also more stable. While some may be familiar with the slippage and difficulty that comes from traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures are stabilized using specialized abutments. These implant-supported teeth are much less likely to move unintentionally, and make eating and speech easier.
Supporting Healthy Smiles
As replacements for singular or multiple teeth, implants provide the greatest amount of protection for the shape and health of your smile. Without the support of teeth roots, the jawbone deteriorates, causing the face to sink and take on an aged appearance. This process of resportion weakens the jaw and makes activities like speech and eating difficult. However, because dental implants act the same as the roots of natural teeth, they support bone health preserve the structural health of the bone.
Dental implants also do not have a negative effect on neighboring teeth, compared to traditional restorations. Bridges and partial dentures rely on remaining teeth for stability, using crowns and metal frames respectively. The crowns supporting bridges require removal of enamel on neighboring teeth and the metal frames of partials can wear down the teeth that support them through regular use and removal. Dental implants avoid affecting neighboring teeth by depending solely on the support of the jaw.
Easily Cleaned
Cleaning singular implants is no different than cleaning natural teeth. By flossing and brushing the prosthetic, and attending routine cleanings, your implant restoration provides you the same healthy and stable bite as a natural tooth.
If you are looking for restorations that are easy to clean, provide long-term health and stability, and preserve the structure of your smile, contact our team at Total Family Dental Specialists for more information about implant dentistry.