Will My Dental Implants Look And Feel Natural?

A common preoccupation about dental implants is whether they'll look natural, similar to a person´s existing teeth. We understand you may be worried that your new smile will look fake and that other people will notice. As leading dental implant specialists, we're here to tell you that implants not only look like natural teeth they feel like them too. 

Although they are made with artificial materials, their look is completely natural, and you won't experience metallic or other strange tastes in your mouth. These are among the many reasons why more people are choosing to have dental implants nowadays.

Dental Implant History

Dental implants have been around for a long time. Early versions were in existence 9,000 years ago. During archeological excavations in Algeria in the 1950s, scientists discovered a skull (dated to around 7,000 BC) with a small-sized bone used as a dental prosthesis. Later in ancient China, carved bamboo pegs were used as tooth replacements. 

Science and technology have, of course, come on in leaps and bounds since then. After years of research and innovation, modern dental implants are strong, reliable and natural looking.

A Permanent Tooth Replacement Solution

Dental implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth, unlike traditional crowns or dentures. When natural teeth develop, they form roots in the jawbone for sturdiness and stability. The implant post, which is typically made from titanium, acts like a tooth root and is inserted into the jaw. Once in place, it is hidden from view and integrates with the bone, mimicking the functions of natural tooth roots.

An abutment connects to the head of the implant post and links it to the crown. This is the part of the implant that looks like natural teeth. These prosthetic crowns can be molded and designed to match the teeth they replace, including their color, texture and translucence.

Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth so custom-fit replacements can be made. Since each person's teeth are different, your dentist will take great care to match the size, color and shape of your existing natural teeth.

Here are some of the reasons why dental implants look real:

• The crowns are made from tooth-colored porcelain, which is more attractive and natural than dentures that often have plastic teeth.
• They are the only replacement option integrated into your jawbone like natural teeth.
• Being anchored into the jawbone, they are always in place. They won't move or slip out when you speak, eat or laugh.
• Some patients need a bone graft to ensure their jaw is strong enough to support implants. Transplanted bone adds density and volume to the jaw in areas where bone loss has occurred.

Having natural-looking dental implants goes beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. There are many other ways naturalism is achieved. For example:

• You'll have an improved bite. 
• The support provided by the implants in the jaw lets you chew whatever food you want. Implants do not limit your food options.
• You'll be able to talk clearly. Dentures and missing teeth can often lead to speech issues like clicking and whistling sounds.
• Dental implants strengthen your jawbone. This prevents both jawbone shrinkage and the loss of more teeth.

Do Dental Implants Feel Natural?

The short answer is "yes." While traditional dentures don't feel natural to speak or eat with, implants will feel identical to your real teeth. One of the reasons is because of the strong bond between the bone and the metal implant. This is due to a natural process called osseointegration. Bone cells and tissue grow around the implant root and fuse with it. Therefore it becomes a part of the jawbone, just like your real teeth.

Losing one or several teeth makes it difficult to eat certain foods, such as apples and steaks. Even eating with dentures can feel unnatural. Dental implants feel more natural because you can exert the same biting force as the rest of your teeth.

Although implants feel natural, they lack nerve sensitivity because they don't contain nerves. When the original tooth root is removed, so are the nerves that are attached to it. Therefore, you won't feel temperature, cold or pain with the replaced tooth. 

Dental Implants and Oral Hygiene

When cared for properly, your dental implants should last a lifetime. Therefore you should practice the same oral hygiene and care for your implants as your natural teeth. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps remove plaque and bacteria that can accumulate around the implant site.
• Floss daily between each tooth and implant to keep bacteria and food debris at bay.
• Attend regular dental cleanings.
• Keep to your regular dental checkup schedule.

Conclusion

Dental implants work with your existing teeth and jawbone to give you a look that's natural to you and others. A few weeks after having them placed, you'll almost forget you have them as they perform and look like your other teeth. This means nobody will know you've had an implant procedure unless you tell them. Only a professional dentist will be able to tell the difference. 

If you're looking for dental implants to restore your smile and self-confidence, Chesterfield Dentistry can help you. Get in touch with us to learn more about this safe, modern, and permanent tooth replacement option. Contact our friendly and professional team at (314) 936 3621 or make a booking online.

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