Many individuals who have missing teeth want to restore their smiles. It is not uncommon for individuals who have had to undergo mandatory extractions to start seeking prosthetic teeth solutions. Individuals can choose from dentures, bridges, or dental implants to replace missing teeth. All of these prosthetic options can replace one or more missing teeth.

Dentures are removable and should be removed daily for cleaning to prevent gum infection and bad breath. Dental bridges and implants are considered semi-permanent. Bridges remain in place for the majority of the time. They are removed during dental exams and cleanings. Dental implants can last a lifetime, but they are considered semi-permanent because they may have to be replaced if dental implant failure or mouth trauma occurs. The following points identify benefits individuals who choose to replace their missing with implants can expect.

Preserves Facial Structure

Dentists encourage individuals with missing teeth to choose a prosthetic teeth solution. This will protect their facial structure by preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of place. It also will prevent or improve the appearance of sunken jaws. Changes in facial structure may make individuals look older than their age. 

Improves Confidence

Dental implants are designed to match the surrounding teeth in the mouth. Dentists focus on ensuring that the implants look like natural teeth. Post-surgery the implants have to heal and fuse into the jawbone, which is referred to as osseointegration. After healing individuals will treat their prosthetic teeth like their natural teeth. They do not have to worry about denture trays being discovered. The risk of slippage associated with dentures is also eliminated.

Improves Speech

Individuals with missing teeth at the front of their mouths may have difficulties pronouncing certain words. The tongue needs to thrust against the back of natural or prosthetic teeth to pronounce certain syllables. Speech impediments that exist because of missing teeth may cause some individuals not to want to socialize in certain settings or experience frustration if others cannot understand what they are saying.

Individuals should use a cosmetic dentist as a resource to learn more about dental implants. The prosthetic teeth must be supported by the jaw bone. If there is insufficient bone mass, individuals will need to get bone grafts to restore their bone tissue. If individuals use tobacco products, dentists will likely recommend cessation before agreeing to the implant surgery. These products can cause gum disease and implant failure.