Dental implants in San Antonio are popular among both dentists and patients because they are extremely sturdy, and they have the potential to last for decades. If you have one or more missing teeth, you might even be thinking about getting dental implants. Still, you may wonder how the procedure will affect your appearance. Will people be able to tell that you have had some major dental work done? Let’s discuss the aesthetic aspects of dental implants.
Your Facial Shape
After you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to be resorbed. That is to say, your body recycles the bone material for other purposes. Over time, the resorption process can have a significant impact on the jawbone’s shape and perhaps even lead to a “sunken” facial appearance. Happily, dental implants can prevent this issue. They act as substitute tooth roots, so they stimulate the jawbone and help it to stay strong and whole.
Preventing Dental Drift
After tooth loss, the remaining natural teeth may begin to gradually drift out of place. If you lose a bottom tooth, the tooth above the empty space may even over-erupt and eventually fall out. Both such situations can have negative consequences for a smile’s aesthetics. A dental implant serves as a placeholder and helps all remaining natural teeth to stay exactly where they ought to.
The Restorations
While dental implants themselves are made out of a titanium alloy and are dark in color, they are usually not visible after restorations have been placed. Plus, not only does a restoration hide the implant, but it also possesses some outstanding aesthetic characteristics. Implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures are often made out of high-quality dental porcelain, which bears a strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel. In fact, it even reflects light in a manner that is similar to real teeth.
Of course, the skill of your dentist will also play a role in determining how natural your restorations look. It is important to choose a dentist who pays great attention to detail. They will carefully design your restorations so that their shape, size, and color works well with your facial shape and oral structures.
The Bottom Line on Dental Implant Aesthetics
Most people who receive dental implants have no regrets about their decision, and they are proud to show off their new teeth because they look both beautiful and natural. As long as you work with a skilled, reputable dental team to carry out your procedure, you can rightly expect that your rebuilt smile will enable you to enjoy a confident, attractive smile.
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani is the leader of our team at Laith Family Dentistry. She is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California and has nearly 20 years of experience in her field. She works alongside with local specialists to provide comprehensive dental implant care, and she prides herself on creating highly functional, natural-looking dental implant restorations. If you would like to learn more about her and the services she offers, contact our team at 210-782-0008.
