No one needs to tell you the negative effect that having missing teeth has on your appearance. When a person is missing even one of their front teeth, their appearance is drastically and negatively changed. For whatever reason you are missing teeth, the result is that your jaw bone will heal by collapsing inward on itself. If there are no dental roots to provide stimulation to the bone, the bone will start to shrivel away. This in and of itself makes you look older, and your mouth will not function the way that it should. Some of the activities that you take for granted when you have a full mouth of teeth are no longer possible. Here’s the kicker- since bone loss is painless, a lot of people who have missing teeth think that it’s not happening to them. But you know what? It is. Anyone who does not have their teeth is constantly losing bone, and this bone loss will progress until the day that you die. Bone loss will have a drastic effect on your appearance. The only option that you have is to replace missing teeth with dental implants.
Some people opt for veneers. And veneers have a purpose. They can improve the overall aesthetics of your smile. But they cannot replace missing teeth, and they cannot provide your bones with the stimulation that they need in order to stay healthy.
But what exactly is a dental implant? A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into your jaw bone. They are extremely strong and extremely sturdy. Since the implant is made from titanium, it will eventually fuse with your bone. It becomes a permanent part of your jaw. While most dental implants can last the rest of your life, in rare instances, you will need to have your dental implant replaced as a result of normal wear and tear or because of an accident or injury.
Dental implants allow you to replace multiple teeth without affecting your adjacent teeth. They fix any bite problems that might lead to your teeth shifting. They give a patient back their confident smile and allow them to chew, talk, and properly digest their food.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are a great option if you’re looking for a quick fix. Porcelain veneers can cover over breaks, stains, or chips in your teeth. They are designed to sit on the top of your teeth in order to mimic their natural appearance.
When it comes to the overall health of your mouth, nothing is better than your natural teeth. But if they are no longer an option, dental implants are a great choice to help you keep a healthy smile as well as protect your jaw bone. However, veneers still have their place.
To learn more, book an appointment at the office of Samuel F. Jirik, DDS in Cabot. Our cosmetic dentist is happy to serve clients throughout the Little Rock area. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment and get started.
