Dental implants have always been seen as an effective and viable solution to replacing missing teeth in Singapore. Dental implants also serves as a permanent solution with minimum downsides, thus, improving your quality of life and self-confidence.
Unlike dentures, they do not slip in and out of their position, making it a stable, reliable option. Also, unlike bridges, they do not rely on the support of the surrounding teeth. There are multiple other benefits of having dental implants over other methods of replacing missing teeth, such as:
1. Feels Like Natural Teeth
Implants are anchored firmly in your jaw bone, providing a strong foundation for the artificial prosthesis (crown of the tooth). This makes it a sturdy teeth replacement option, allowing you to carry out your daily activities, like eating and talking, with ease. Dental implants can feel almost exactly like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, drink, and talk as you normally would.
Compared to removable options, like dentures or dental bridges, which can slip in and out of their position, implants are not removable and are secure.
Also, implants do not need to be removed and cleaned in the way dentures and bridges need to be.
2. High Success Rate & Potential to Last a Lifetime
Studies have shown that dental implants have a high success rate, lasting for 10+ years on average.
Titanium metal implants are known to last a lifetime and can outlive their artificial tooth crown, which needs to be replaced every 25 years.
Several factors affect the lifespan of your dental implants including how well you care for them, your lifestyle and habits, the density of your jawbone and the position of the tooth along the jaw arch.
For example, having low jawbone density and habits such as smoking reduces the success rate of implant surgery.
3. Not Supported By Surrounding Teeth
The fixtures of implants (screws), surgically placed into your jawbone, support and hold the artificial tooth crown.
This is unlike in a tooth-supported bridge or denture, where the surrounding teeth function as the supportive pillar, keeping the artificial teeth in place. Neighbouring teeth are therefore not overstrained by these structures, hence avoiding teeth cracking or being worn down over time.
4. Avoids Problems Associated with Missing Teeth & Prevents Jawbone Loss
Having missing teeth is not just a cosmetic problem. It also causes teeth to shift and for over-crowding and gaps to occur, hindering your ability to floss and brush. This could lead to tooth cavities and decay occurring down the line. Gaps in the teeth also allow a cavity for food to be trapped and for plaque and bacteria to accumulate, which could eventually lead to gum recession.
Also, when a tooth is absent, it causes the jawbone and tissues surrounding it to atrophy and decrease in volume. This could affect the bone structure of one’s face and change one facial appearance, making one look aged. Implants prevent bone loss and gum recession by stimulating the growth and development of the jawbone. Once the implant is placed, it functions like a natural tooth root, allowing the jawbone to grow well.
In this way, your facial structure is maintained, preventing premature ageing, and resulting in maintaining a youthful and vibrant facial appearance.