Gaps in your grin left behind by missing teeth can make it harder to speak, eat, and smile confidently. Although many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild, if you’re on a tight budget, you may be more likely to choose to replace your lost teeth with more cost-effective restorations, such as traditional dentures or a dental bridge.
But you might not be aware that dental implants offer several unique advantages that make them a worthwhile long-term investment. Continue reading to learn more about 3 ways this treatment can potentially help you save money over time!
Benefit #1: Firmly Rooted in Your Mouth
Did you know that your jaw starts to thin after one or more adult teeth fall out? In fact, without as many roots to stimulate new bone growth when you bite down, you could potentially lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone density within the first year. Then, as it thins, it becomes flatter, and dentures or dental bridges, which once fit like a glove, can become destabilized or dislodged and sustain injuries when they fall out of your mouth at inopportune times.
Dental implants are the only restorations that are surgically embedded directly in your jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to function like natural teeth, helping maintain a strong foundation for your mouth. That means you’re less likely to have to pay for repairs or replacements for frequently ill-fitting prosthetics.
Benefit #2: Less Maintenance Required
Although artificial teeth don’t develop cavities like natural ones, you must maintain a consistent twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine to prevent cavities or gum disease in your remaining enamel and connective tissues. But dentures and dental bridges often require specific products, such as floss threaders, oral irrigators, or special soaking solutions, to maintain.
Meanwhile, dental implants can be brushed and flossed in your mouth like the teeth you were born with, as long as you’re careful not to damage the protective seal that keeps bacteria out. This reduces the need to regularly purchase additional accessories that can add up over the years.
Benefit #3: Durable, Biocompatible Materials
Unlike dentures, which rely on a firm suction against your gums to remain in place throughout the day, and bridges, which are traditionally cemented over healthy abutment teeth on each side of the gap in your grin, dental implants are placed directly into your jaw to become a more permanent part of your mouth.
They are usually made from resilient, biocompatible materials, such as titanium or ceramic, that can withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, for long-lasting results. For example, dental implants often last 25+ years with proper care, compared to the 5 to 15+ year lifespan associated with the alternatives. Sometimes, they last a lifetime, meaning some patients never have to pay for a replacement!
If you need to rebuild your smile but are unsure whether you’re a good candidate for implants, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys benefit from three dentists who are passionate about helping them enhance their lives by improving their dental health. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Martin, general dentists, collaborate with Dr. Mazor, a periodontist, to offer a complete menu of services under one roof, including start-to-finish dental implant treatment. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (305) 680-1553.