If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a great alternative to other treatment options like dentures and bridges. Many patients and dentists alike prefer the results they achieve with dental implants for several different reasons. If you have missing teeth, talk to your dentist in San Jose about the benefits of choosing dental implants. Here are just a few of the reasons why implants make patients smile.
Improved Confidence
Many people who use dentures and bridges for tooth replacement feel self-conscious about their smiles. In addition to concerns that people will be able to tell that they don’t have their natural teeth, denture wearers also worry that their dentures will slip while they are talking or eating. Because dental implants are anchored in your jaw just like your natural teeth, there is no risk of slippage or a poor fit. No one will know you have dental implants except you and your dentist.
No Special Care
Taking care of dentures requires a number of time-consuming steps and special cleansers. With dental implants, all you have to do is brush and floss as normal and see your dentist for your usual check-ups. As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene schedule, your implants should last for decades. You can’t get cavities in dental implants—however, without regular brushing and flossing, you can get gum disease around an implant as you would with any tooth.
Protection of Your Healthy Teeth
If you choose a bridge to replace your missing teeth, you could set off a domino effect of tooth loss. Your healthy teeth must be ground down to make room for the bridge, and the constant pressure put on neighboring teeth by the bridge can lead to the loss of those teeth. A dental implant is supported by an anchor in your jaw, not your healthy teeth, so you don’t have to worry about setting yourself up for future dental problems.