When people think about ageing, what comes to mind are wrinkles, grey hair, or receding hairlines. Few people realise that teeth show a person’s age, but they do. If you have missing teeth, whether it’s from poor oral health, an accident, or because of age, your jawbone will start to shrink. In turn, the cheeks sag, which causes wrinkles to form on your face. Besides making you look older, missing teeth also bring a host of health consequences. Here are things everyone should know about missing teeth and possible remedies for this.
Why Is It Important to Have a Full Set of Teeth?
Because teeth lean on each other, any gap in your smile will cause adjacent teeth to tilt in, leading to crooked rows. Also, since they do not have support, these teeth weaken over time. The bone anchoring the missing tooth will also deteriorate since it no longer serves a purpose. When this happens, the gums will recede, increasing the risk for tooth decay and infections.
The socket where your tooth used to be is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Left unaddressed, it can lead to severe gum infections, bone and tooth loss, and the entire jaw’s deterioration. One way to prevent this from happening is by getting dental implants.
Dental Implants and Dentures: What’s the Difference?
Dentures sit on top of the gums. They are nestled in the gap where your missing teeth used to be and are held in place by plastic and metal. Dentures could affect the way you eat or speak, and they need replacing every five to seven years. Finally, dentures sit on top of your gums. As such, they don’t stop your jawbone from deteriorating and your face and smile changing as a result.
Meanwhile, implants are artificial tooth roots. They bond with your jaw’s natural bone, stimulating the bone and preserving it. Dental implants stop your jawbone and teeth from deteriorating, so you won’t have to worry about your cheeks caving in or becoming wrinkled because of missing teeth.
Are There More Benefits to Using Dental Implants?
Implants are a relatively permanent solution to tooth loss. Since they fuse with the bone, they can last a lifetime, especially if the patient practises good oral hygiene.
Also, implants help a person speak more clearly. Dental implants are customised and fit the patient’s mouth, so they do not need to think about their implants falling out as they eat or speak. Getting implants also means you don’t need to limit yourself to certain foods; patients will have an easier time eating when they have these in place.
Finally, implants improve a person’s oral health. Aside from the jawline becoming healthier, implants can help other teeth remain healthy and strong. You could even floss around certain types of implants, which helps you maintain gum health.
Conclusion
Restoring your smile and reversing the damage that tooth loss brings is possible if you get implants. Besides ensuring your oral health, it also helps turn back the clock on ageing and helps you appear younger. Consult your dentist about getting implants today!
Have more reasons to smile when you get dental implants at Claydon Dental. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry in Milton Keynes, and we have affordable financing options for our dental implant treatment plans, starting at £42 a month. Book your free consultation today and learn more!