If you’re unhappy with your smile, it can lead to insecurity, shyness, and anxiety. The fact that most people don’t spend much time staring at people’s mouths each day (unless they’re us) won’t make a difference if you’re unhappy with it. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay feeling that way. Orthodontics has come a long way, even from 15 years ago! Stop hiding your beautiful pearly whites with a close-lipped smile with the help of dental implants.
Dental implants are essentially artificial teeth meant to fill in the gaps left behind by those you no longer have. Smiley Dental only uses the best dental implants so our clients can leave happy and smiling brighter than before.
What Makes a Dental Implant “The Best”
Before you start researching the best implants for dental purposes, you must understand what implants are. After all, their placement is a surgery that requires anesthesia and sedation. According to the Mayo Clinic, dental implant surgery replaces tooth roots with “metal screw-like posts” and replaces them with artificial teeth that closely resemble real ones. Implants could be for you if you have missing teeth or are not a good match for dentures or bridgework.
When selecting the best dental implants, multiple factors must be considered. For example, determine your goals. Do you need to stabilize a tooth because the natural root isn’t strong enough? Consider the reputation of the company that makes the implants you’ve chosen. Have there been many complaints filed against them? Also, think about the length of recovery time your body will need to heal. Some may take less of a physical toll on your body than others. Lastly, think about cost. The more natural the implants feel in your mouth and appear, the more they will cost. Don’t get carried away and forget about your ideal price point. Other factors to consider include:
- Lifestyle habits.Certain lifestyle habits can affect the success of your treatment. Habits like smoking or teeth grinding may disrupt your healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. Discuss your habits with your dentist to determine which might be best.
- The procedure.
As we said before, getting dental implants requires surgery, which may require jawbone grafting. Depending on the type of implant, bone growth and healing could take months. Having a full understanding of the procedure is crucial. - Oral health.
If you have untreated gum disease or another sort of oral infection, you may not be able to get dental implants. Maintaining good oral health is essential to ensure the procedure can be performed. Regularly going to the dentist can identify and address any potential issues. - Orthondists experience.
To pick the best dentist for dental implants, consider their experience. Those with longer careers and specific expertise with implants will have a better performance capacity. Check their reviews online and speak with anyone who has used their services. Take into consideration their training and knowledge of the procedure. Remember, you can always verify their educational background— surgeons must complete training and in-hospital experience before gaining a license. Most importantly, you should feel confident and comfortable in your choice. - Preexisting conditions.
Like poor oral health, any underlying health conditions could affect your surgery candidacy. If you have unmonitored diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or are on certain medications, the healing process could be affected, making it unsafe for you. Be sure to share your full medical history with your doctor beforehand. - Material type.
The type of material used for the implants matters greatly, as some are better tolerated by the body than others and will not cause adverse reactions. Ideally, the implants should be made of a biocompatible material that’s strong, long-lasting, and matches the color and appearance of your natural teeth.
How to Choose the Best Dental Implant
Once it’s been determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, it’s time to decide which one is the right fit for you. You’ll also want to consider the dentist’s distance from your home and the offices’ hours of operation, as you will need to visit frequently throughout the process. The best dental implants will have high durability, a natural look and feel, and can return the cosmetic appearance of your face to normal (if missing teeth). Let’s dive further into these and other factors to help you choose the best dental implants.
- Durability. The best dental implants are made of titanium, which has a 97% success rate and lasts longer than other dental implants. A 2021 study of 10,871 implants revealed that after 15 years, 94% were still working appropriately.
- Prevents bone loss. Implants may help preserve bone loss on your mouth alveolar ridge after your body loses a tooth. Over time, your body breaks down and reabsorbs some of your bone tissue. Implants lower the rate of resorption.
- Natural look and feel. Thanks to technological advances, artificial teeth can mimic the natural look and feel of real teeth. Once the implant is inserted, dentists can place a crown on top to provide a more comfortable feel for the wearer.
- Keeps adjacent teeth stable. When you lose a tooth, your surrounding teeth may begin to move, filling in the gap and causing problems with your bite and ability to chew. Inserting an implant into the gap where the tooth once was will stop the others from migrating.
- Restores the cosmetic appearance of your face. Losing a tooth may affect the structure of your jawbone, altering your face’s aesthetic look. Dental implants help to improve your jaw’s structural integrity and bone loss.
- It behaves like natural teeth when speaking and chewing. As dental impacts closely mimic your natural teeth, you can chew and speak easier than other forms of treatment may allow. If dealing with speech problems, filling in gaps with implants may improve it.
- Improves bite force and quality of life. A 2016 study showed that implants in the lower jaw increase your bite force compared to traditional dentures. Likewise, at the three-year mark, people who received implants had success, improving their quality of life.
Though dental implants are an excellent option for many, a few drawbacks should be discussed. For example, implants are generally more expensive than other treatments, and your insurance may not cover them. Dental implants are not quick and require multiple dental appointments over 6–12 months. The prospect of having a somewhat invasive surgery can be offputting, and it may require a dental bone graft to be used. Like all surgical procedures, dental implants are accompanied by risks which include:
- Damage to surrounding teeth or tissues
- bleeding
- Implant failure
- Gum recession
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic
- Nerve or tissue damage
Smile More with Smiley Dental
Feeling insecure about any part of yourself can feel isolating. If that part of you is your smile, you may hesitate to converse or laugh with others out of concern for their thoughts. However, that doesn’t have to be the case! If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, you may be able to get dental implants. By filling in the gaps, the best dental implants will give you back your confidence to smile and laugh with ease.
When searching for “the best dental implants near me,” Smiley Dental will be high on the search results page. We’re standing by to help you achieve your ideal smile. Give us a call to discuss available dental implants and schedule a consultation.
Dental Implant FAQs
Aren’t All Dental Implants the Same?
No, there are several dental implants; not all may fit you. The right dental implant will depend on your mouth and jaw health, the number and location of missing teeth, implant size and material, and the brand.
How long will the operation take?
The operation should take at most two hours to complete.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
To determine if you qualify for dental implants, talk to your doctor. They will check if you have healthy bones, perform an examination, and discuss your medical history with you to determine your eligibility.
How much do implants cost, and does insurance cover the cost?
The best dental implants can be costly, and your insurance is not guaranteed to cover the procedure. However, depending on your situation, you may qualify for at least partial coverage. Your needs, bone quantity, and location determine the cost of dental implants.
