Straighten Your Teeth Without Anyone Knowing
Do you want to straighten your teeth, but you’re not a fan of metal braces? If you’re looking to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, read on. We’ve got the solution for you.
Most people have heard about dental implants. You may have read they are the “gold standard” for replacing teeth, how they are the best and most natural option. You may even know they can be used for replacing a single tooth, an entire top or bottom arch, or even a mouthful of teeth.
Nataly Vilderman, DDS, is a highly skilled and experienced general and cosmetic dentist in San Francisco, California, who can help you when it’s time to replace your missing teeth. Among the numerous teeth replacement options she offers at her state-of-the-art dental practice, dental implants are among the most popular.
But how do you know if dental implants are the best option for you? Dr. Vilderman shares five signs that it may be time to consider dental implants to restore your missing teeth.
Dental implants are the most natural and innovative method for replacing missing teeth. This is because the surgical procedure implants a metal post into your jawbone that effectively mimics a tooth root. This artificial root stimulates the jawbone to facilitate growth, keeping your jawbone healthy. An abutment is placed atop the root post, which holds a crown or other prosthetic devices, such as bridges, dentures, and overdentures.
The process takes time, because the metal post must fuse with your jawbone, a process called osseointegration, and this can take months. But the result is permanent, completely functional, and natural appearing teeth.
You might consider (or reconsider) getting a dental implant (or implants) if:
If you are already missing a tooth, then you join more than 120 million Americans who have at least one missing tooth. Infections, severe decay, gum disease, and trauma can all cause you to lose one or more teeth.
If you already have a missing tooth, you should consider your replacement options. Dental implants can do more than fill the gap in your smile, they also support your facial structure by helping prevent jawbone atrophy.
Even a single missing tooth can impact how you eat and talk. But if more are missing, the effect on your mouth’s function can be serious, even extreme. Chewing on one side away from the missing tooth wears out those teeth prematurely. Teeth help us make important sounds when speaking, and deficits in speech can be noticeable if some are missing.
Infected or decayed teeth can often be saved with fillings or a root canal. However, severely infected teeth may require extraction. Have you thought about what comes next? The problems above with eating, speech, and appearance all come into play. When an extraction is warranted, Dr. Vilderman will discuss this with you beforehand, as well as your options for replacing the tooth. Often, you can have an implant post placed right after the extraction, speeding the process of completing your restoration.
Full and partial dentures can be a great tooth replacement option, but many fear their removable aspect. Most have heard stories of dentures slipping or falling out at embarrassing moments and wish to avoid such a nightmare. Plus, they are care-intensive, requiring nightly soaking and maintenance. This is not the ideal for some busy people.
Dental implants aren’t right for everyone but Dr. Vilderman can let you know if you are a good candidate. You should be in good overall health, a nonsmoker, and have adequate bone to support an implant. If you meet these qualifications, implants could be the perfect option for replacing your missing teeth.
Now are you ready to learn more about dental implants? Contact Dr. Vilderman’s dental office in San Francisco at 415-338-9503 or book an appointment online to discuss dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
