I’m wondering if I should switch to dental implants, but I want to be sure they’re worth the investment first. I have three missing teeth and two of them show when I smile. I generally wear a partial denture and I’m quite bothered to go without it. I don’t like to take it out, even at night, because I’m self-conscious about missing those teeth. I also worry that people notice I’m wearing a denture when I talk to them. I’ve actually started worrying so much that I’m becoming paranoid. I’ve even started refusing dinner invitations. I don’t know if it’s all in my head or if people really can tell. I’m having a tough time justifying the costs, though. Is it worthwhile for me to switch to dental implants or am I going to face the same problems?
Thank you,
Beth Q. – Los Angelos
Dear Beth,
There are some real benefits to dental implants. First of all, you won’t ever have to take them out. They’re permanent, so there’s no concern about going to bed without teeth. A lot of people worry about losing dentures during a meal or about what they can eat without getting food trapped or breaking the denture. So, your worry about dinner engagements with a removable device is not unusual.
It’s also worth noting that people who have lost teeth start losing bone in that area as well, and this leads to facial collapse. Facial collapse makes people look older than they are, but dental implants can stop or slow down bone loss, so you’ll retain a youthful look longer.
Cosmetically, there are benefits as well. The crowns are generally made of layered porcelain, which does a good job of mimicking a natural tooth. They reflect light differently and have some translucency. Dentures are typically made of acrylic or another plastic and they don’t have the same depth to them.
All in all, you’ll probably be much happier because so much of your concerns surround being without teeth, but it’s a good idea for you to see a cosmetic dentist for a consultation on this. You’re going to want someone with extra training and lots of experience doing the work, so you get the best results possible.
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