Why Not to Feel Embarrassed by Your Dental Implants

If you just got dental implants, you may have mixed feelings about them. On the one hand, you’re likely happy that your tooth loss is treated. On the other, perhaps you’re embarrassed by your dental implants. Prosthetic teeth are a source of shame for some. Still, there’s no reason to consider them shameful. Treatment improves your health and beauty compared to living with missing teeth. To learn more, let your Owings Mills dentist explain. Here’s why implants are nothing to be embarrassed about.

Living with Tooth Loss is Worse

Remember, untreated tooth loss is an awful condition. It should count as more embarrassing than having dental implants.

For starters, missing teeth harm your looks. Gaps between teeth, after all, aren’t exactly pleasant sights. They draw unwanted attention and make your smile seem broken. Plus, going without teeth erodes your jaw and lowers its bone density. This process can then cause facial collapse, leading to wrinkles, a poorly-defined jawline, and the sense that you’re pretty old.

Worse yet, tooth loss contributes to long-term oral problems. Areas near missing teeth, for example, catch excess food debris and raise tooth decay risk. Tooth gaps can also cause pearly whites to tilt, resulting in a misaligned bite.

Implants Look & Act Like Natural Teeth

If you fear that your implants seem artificial, don’t; the prosthetics look and act almost exactly like natural teeth. Friends and family will have difficulty telling them apart from the rest of your smile.

To wrap up treatment, a dentist “caps” each implant with a tooth-colored dental crown. Doing so helps the restoration blend in with its surroundings. Plus, the crown’s porcelain is customized to look almost exactly like your natural tooth enamel.

As for the actual implants, keep in mind that their bodies are made of titanium. This composition lets them fuse with your jawbone over time. Consequently, your new teeth are steady, secure and restore much of your bite force. You can trust them to chew food without slipping or falling.

Implants are Long-Lasting

Maybe you’re afraid that you’ll have to “switch out” your implants often. This step, you see, would demonstrate their falseness to others. In reality, though, implants are actually the longest-lasting of dental restorations.

Generally, the average dental implant lasts 15-20 years. However, that lifespan can reach 30 years or more with proper care. Either way, these numbers far exceed what alternative options offer. Even the best dentures and bridges only last 5-7 years and need frequent repairs.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed by your dental implants. The prosthetics only help your smile live up to its potential!

About the Practice

Dolfield Dental is based in Owings Mills, MD. Led by Drs. Jacob and Cynthia Miller, our practice gives each patient the personalized dentistry they deserve. In particular, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care tailored to your unique mouth. Naturally, then, we’ll give you dental implants that blend seamlessly with your smile! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (410)-902-4110.