There are many reasons that can drive someone to finally want to restore their missing teeth. Whether you’re concerned about the oral health problems that come along with tooth loss, or you’re simply tired of feeling insecure about your smile, dental implants can give you back the smile you previously had. Patients here in Fort Worth, TX continue to choose dental implants for their restoration needs. Dental implants can improve patient’s lives in different ways; Improved health and quality of life are the typical benefits you can expect from restoring your smile. Dr. Snider has seen many patients live a happier and healthier life thanks to the amazing results that dental implants provide.
Improved Health
Just going by physical appearance, most people will agree that having a large gap in your smile from missing teeth is not ideal. Beyond just the displeasing look of missing teeth is several health concerns that go along with this issue. Problems like tooth decay, premature aging, and additional force to existing teeth are common. Tooth decay is more likely to occur with individuals who are missing teeth because bacteria and food debris can easily get trapped where the missing tooth used to be. Loss of remaining teeth is also common because teeth will often shift to fill the empty space left behind. The shifting of these teeth can damage teeth and change the distribution of pressure the jaw puts on teeth. With teeth shifting, your smile is even more aesthetically affected and now, more susceptible to problems associated with crooked teeth.
Additionally, the strength of your jawbone is affected too. Each time you bite or chew, you’re exercising your jaw, which the supporting foundation of your smile. Like any other muscle, it will begin to shrink without the proper amount of exercise. Think of how your arm can begin to shrink after being in a cast for six weeks. This same idea applies to your jawbone. Studies show that there is a 25% decrease in bone width during the first year of untreated tooth loss. Without a strong foundation to hold the teeth in place, the rest of your teeth become even more likely to fall out. And like we mentioned previously, your jawbone will also affect your facial structure. Premature aging is a consequence of tooth loss because the face can look wrinkled and sunken in with a deteriorated jawbone.
Improved Quality of Life
There’s no doubt that a person’s smile can be the defining characteristic of the rest of their appearance. Studies show that a smile can have a huge impact on first impressions. Each time you go for a job interview or first date, your smile can be a make-or-break factor. Missing teeth can also affect your behavior in these social situations. Research shows that those with missing teeth are more likely to deal with feelings of depression and self-consciousness.
Replacing your teeth with dental implants can change the impression you leave on others and your self-confidence, which will benefit your social life and relationships with others. The confidence that dental implants give is unmatched by other dental restorations.
