Tooth Loss Can Change the Shape of Your Face

If you’ve lost a couple of teeth over the years, your confidence was probably lost along with them. Missing teeth can change your appearance in several ways. The shape of your face can change over time. You can look years older than your chronological age. Thankfully, dental implants can turn back the clock. Here’s how you can look 10 years younger by replacing your lost teeth with dental implants.

Missing Teeth Cause Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, your underlying bone isn’t being stimulated by the root. As a result, it will slowly shrink. You can lose up to 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of missing a tooth. It will continue to deteriorate as time passes, causing your facial structure to change. 

Your soft tissues and muscles may not have sufficient support, which can lead to premature wrinkles, sagging skin, and even a sunken appearance. You’ll also be at risk of additional tooth loss because your remaining teeth won’t have the support they need to stay in place. As you lose more teeth, it can add even more years to your appearance.

Dental Implants Provide Jawbone Preservation

Traditional bridges and dentures are effective at replacing lost teeth, but they do nothing to stop bone loss. They only mimic the portions of teeth above the gum line. Dental implants are the only solution to preserve your jawbone. A dental implant replaces both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a new root, which will stimulate bone growth. Your jaw will fuse with the implant to provide unmatched stability for your customized restoration.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Over 500,000 Americans every year are choosing dental implants to treat their lost teeth. Besides jawbone preservation, they offer several additional benefits not possible using other methods, including:

• Look Natural: The implant post will be hidden below your gums while supporting a ceramic restoration. It will be crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your real teeth to look natural.
• Feel Natural: Your jaw will integrate with the post through a process called osseointegration. You’ll benefit from unmatched support and stability, regaining up to 70% of your biting force.
• Long-Lasting: Dental implants are proven to last for 30 years or longer with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.
• Successful: Dental implants have over a 95% success rate.
• Cost-Effective: Dental implants may have a higher price tag than traditional prosthetics, but they are the most cost-effective overall because they never need to be replaced. You don’t have to worry about paying for them all at once, because the process takes several months. You can pay for your new smile as you go, and your dental insurance may even cover some of the expenses.

Don’t settle for less than the best. Dental implants are a great choice to replace your missing teeth permanently.

About Dr. Myriel Dittman

Dr. Dittman achieved her dental degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her training to provide specialty services, like dental implants. She strives to create a comfortable environment while helping her patients achieve their best smiles. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (920) 345-4127.