I have gotten to the point where I avoid people and social engagements because of my fake looking partial denture. I have been missing three teeth that are visible when I smile and I hate it. I also hate taking it out, even when it’s time for bed. I swear people can tell when I’m talking or eating with them. But, I’m not sure I can bite the bullet and get dental implants because they are so expensive. What do you think looks better, aesthetically speaking? I am sick of feeling ashamed and embarrassed. But if the difference isn’t justifiable, I’ll learn to live with it.
-Kaye in California
Kaye,
If you are a particularly anxious person, it may always linger in the back of your mind. But dental implants may end up solving all of those social concerns that ail you now. The bottom line is that it sounds like you are not happy with the appearance of your partial denture. Dental implants, if they are done by a cosmetic dentist (or a dentist with aesthetics in mind) can look completely natural and lifelike. They are a permanent solution to missing teeth and most dental implant patients love them. You will be able to eat, talk and socialize normally. There will be no fear of them coming out at embarrassing times either because they are surgically implanted into the jaw. You won’t have to remove them at night and will never be without teeth. There are many benefits to switching to dental implants.
Many partial denture patients also complain about food becoming lodged in them or that something they eat may damage or break the appliance. This is of no concern with dental implants.
Another long term benefit is that you will not lose bone around the site of the dental implant. You may not realize that over many years, when an individual is missing teeth, the bone is reabsorbed because the minerals are used elsewhere in the body. So if you get dental implants, you won’t have to deal with the bone loss condition called facial collapse.
From a cosmetic or appearance-related perspective, dental implants are far superior to removable appliances like dentures or partial dentures. But only you can determine if the pros outweigh the cons. Dental implants are a big investment. And you need to be quite selective as you consider the right implant dentist for you. Make sure they have the right credentials, experience and training to deliver functional and beautiful results. But if you do move forward with the treatment, your self esteem and quality of life will be off the charts. You can’t put a price on happiness.
Best of luck with your decision. Whatever you do, don’t rush into it. You will want to do your research and due diligence to find an implant dentist that you can trust.
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS.