Do Dental Implants Affect the Appearance of Your Smile?

Dental implants can replace missing or damaged teeth. They are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option available in dentistry. Dental implant technology provides a naturally functioning prosthetic for anywhere from one to a full arch of teeth. 

If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if they will affect the appearance of your smile. In some cases they may affect your smile, and in other cases they may not. Here’s what you can expect in terms of cosmetic effects of dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants? 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. Titanium is a biocompatible material that is capable of fusing with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the implant fully fuses with the bone, an artificial tooth can be attached to complete the replacement. 

How Many Teeth Can Dental Implants Replace?

Dental implants are capable of replacing anywhere from one to all of your teeth. Here are the various implant options:

• Single tooth. A single dental implant can replace one tooth that is missing or too damaged by decay or injury to be saved. 
• Implant supported bridge. Two dental implants can support a bridge to replace a few teeth in a row. 
• Implant supported dentures. All of the teeth can be replaced with implant supported dentures. Anywhere from 4-6 implants can be placed in the jaw to provide anchors for a full arch denture. 

How Will Dental Implants Affect My Smile?

The impact that dental implants will have on your smile depends on the location of the dental implant. If you are getting a dental implant to replace a molar near the back of your mouth, your smile may not be affected at all. Even a bridge near the back of your mouth will most likely be unnoticeable. 

If you are getting a dental implant to replace a tooth near the front of your mouth, it will improve or maintain your existing smile. An implant will fill in the gap where you’ve been missing a tooth and give you a better looking smile. For a tooth that was not visibly damaged, a dental implant can replace the tooth without changing your smile in any way. 

A complete set of implant supported dentures can give you a natural looking smile, replacing damaged or missing teeth. 

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

Dental implants consist of 3 parts: the implant itself, the abutment (the post that connects to the prosthetic), and the prosthetic. The implant and abutment are both made of titanium. The prosthetic (crown, bridge, or dentures) is made of porcelain in most cases. Porcelain is used for its strength and its resemblance to natural tooth enamel in texture and sheen. 

Another reason that dental implants look natural is that they are anchored in the jaw in the same way your natural teeth are. This allows a dental implant and crown to blend right in with your existing teeth. Implant supported dentures look more natural than the traditional type because they sit right against your natural gums rather than being attached to acrylic that is made to resemble gum tissue. They also stay in place securely without slipping when you eat and talk.

Where Can I Get Natural Looking Dental Implants?  

If you need replacement teeth but you’re concerned about how they will affect your smile, the Ricco Dental Group provides dental implants that look and function just like your natural teeth. We use high quality materials that look natural and last for many years, providing single tooth replacements and implant supported bridges and dentures. 

Call 516-931-3999 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.