(386) 734-8585
When you lose a tooth, the effects can go beyond your smile. Missing teeth can eventually contribute to changes in your jawbone and facial structure, potentially making certain features appear more aged. Dental implants are primarily designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral function, but they may also help you maintain a more youthful-looking appearance. Keep reading to learn how!
Maintain Your Facial Contours
Your teeth stimulate your jawbone every time you bite and chew. When you lose a tooth, the bone around its former root no longer receives that stimulation and over time, the bone can gradually deteriorate.
Unlike dentures or bridges, implants replace the tooth root with a small implant post that is anchored in the jawbone. This stimulation can help maintain the bone surrounding the implant and reduce some of the bone loss associated with missing teeth.
Preserving jawbone volume aids in maintaining the natural contours of your face, which in turn keeps you looking young!
Missing Teeth Can Change Facial Appearance
Significant tooth and bone loss can affect the way your face looks. As the jawbone shrinks, the lower portion of the face may appear less full and more aged. The lips and cheeks can also lose some of the support previously provided by the teeth and underlying bone.
Dental implants can help restore some of that support. Implant restorations are custom designed to fit your mouth and replace the missing portion of your smile, which can create a more balanced facial appearance.
A Boost in Confidence
There’s more to looking youthful than facial structure. A healthy, complete smile can influence how comfortable you feel when smiling, laughing, and interacting with other people.
Dental implants are as close as restorations get to looking and feeling like your natural teeth. After getting them, you’ll probably feel better about showing your smile and not fret about visible gaps or unstable dentures. That boost in confidence can make you feel younger, too.
Implants Aren’t a Fountain of Youth
It’s important to set realistic expectations. Dental implants won’t eliminate wrinkles or reverse normal aging. Their primary purpose is to replace missing teeth and restore everyday functions like eating and speaking. Any improvement in facial appearance is just icing on the cake.
If missing teeth have changed your smile or facial appearance, dental implants are the gold standard long-term tooth replacement option. While they don’t guarantee to reverse the sands of time, it is quite possible they can help restore your youthful glow!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher Cowell has spent 20 years serving the dental needs of the DeLand community. He graduated from the University of Florida College Dentistry in 1995 but stays current in his field through memberships in the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. When it comes to dental implants, Dr. Cowell and his team utilize modern technology to enhance planning and preparation and partner with local implant specialists for the very best treatment. Contact us by phone at (386) 734-8585 to make an appointment or schedule through our website.