If one has a gap in their teeth that needs to be covered or they lack confidence about their dental appearance, then they shouldn’t feel alone! According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian men and women have an average of 4 missing teeth. [1] Having neat, clean-looking teeth is important. It not only signifies good hygiene but can go a long way in ensuring one feels confident enough to put their good face forward. Dentures provide some relief, but they’re not a long-term solution. If one has missing teeth and wants a permanent solution that looks and feels good, dental implants are just what they need!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are part of a surgical procedure during which a titanium post is inserted into a jaw bone socket. Over time the jaw and post fuse which essentially creates a permanent root for a ceramic crown. The good thing about dental implants is that one doesn’t need to pull them out as they would need to with dentures every time they go to sleep. Moreover, they last for a lifetime.
Why Are Dental Implants a Good Option?
Keeping in mind that dental implants are permanent, they are more affordable in the long run than other tooth-replacement options such as dentures. They also keep the jaw bone structure intact and healthy. According to studies, long-term implant success is at about 97%, with only a small number of people being unsuitable for the procedure. [2] This means one pays only once, compared to dentures which need to be replaced every few years, besides being ineffective, uncomfortable or requiring additional pastes, and so on. When all these are added up, the tally is clear: dental implants come out on top.
Are Dental Implants a Fad or the Future?
Dental Implants are definitely the future. More than 3 million Americans have dental implants, with half a million new implants planted each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. [3] They may once have been a luxury procedure, but prices have since come down, and the current fees for an implant can be as low as $500, instead of the thousands they were before. Furthermore, dental implant quality is getting better and better each year due to new techniques, materials, tools, and different designs. Demand is also increasing, which is driving prices down.
Dental Implants Can Improve Quality of Life
Anyone with one or more missing teeth understands how much that can affect confidence with family, friends, and colleagues. Even worse, one might start avoiding regularly scheduled dentist visits, which can lead to more issues with the teeth down the line, some of which can become quite serious.
Opting for dental implants will let the dentist do a complete examination of the mouth and teeth. And once the oral health is in check and one has that old smile back, they will realize how much they can boost their quality of life.
Will My Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental insurance plans won’t pay out for dental implants because they consider them a cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, one can find clinics with affordable financing programs which will feature monthly payment plans. But before choosing a dentist, one should always compare prices in or near the local area. Another affordable option is to let dental students perform the procedure under close guidance from an experienced professional.
Whatever the final choice, the thought of being a proud owner of a great smile once the dental implants are complete is assuring. More importantly, the new teeth will feel almost as natural as the original ones and will probably last for the rest of lifetime!
[1]https://www.ada.org.au/WorldOralHealthDay2019
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050226/
[3]https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-dentalimplants-patient-percept/patients-can-spot-trouble-with-new-dental-implants-idUSKCN0PJ2GQ20150709https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/