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A smile is like extra change in this country – wholly necessary for your daily activities or you’ll make a lot of people, including yourself, upset.

Dental implants are therefore a significant investment in your quality of life, as they are a comfy, fixed, and permanent solution for missing teeth.

The best part is that dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, so nobody will even know the difference when you smile.

With dental implants, you won’t need to worry about your teeth slipping or falling out, and you will not have to take extra care to avoid damaging them.

They’ll not only give you back your smile with renewed confidence, but you will be able to feel proud when you show off your smile, not to mention the joy you’ll get from eating your favourite foods again.

What exactly are dental implants?

A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth root or a preferred tooth replacement, used after tooth loss or removal.

That means you don’t have to scramble for milk if you get one of your pearly whites knocked out at the bar because you can easily get yourself a dental implant.

Serving as a foundation for dental crowns (artificial teeth), dental implants are screw-shaped, placed, and integrated into your natural bone.

The dental implant’s body comprises three parts, each serving a particular purpose. All three implant parts – the titanium screw (implant body), abutment, and porcelain tooth – are custom-made for each type of dental implant.

At OptiSmile, advanced computerised dentistry technology is used, alongside CEREC and iTero digital systems, which provide inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers in only one appointment. The CEREC CAD systems can produce a computer-designed restoration of your tooth in less than two hours.

Over time, technology and science have progressed to greatly improve the outcomes of dental implant placement, which can last a lifetime provided there is proper care and maintenance.

What are the types of dental implants?

You can get a single-tooth implant, which is an ideal way to replace a missing tooth.

There are also implant-supported bridges, which are used when you are missing several teeth in a row. This type of dental prosthesis is supported by implants surgically placed in your jawbone, giving you back your smile and improving your chewing function.

Then, there’s an all-on-four dental implant, which is an excellent option for patients looking for a natural-looking smile with dental implants that are secure and stable. This surgically based treatment uses four titanium implants, placed like anchors in the jawbone, to support an entire arch of prosthetic teeth.

Lastly, an alternative to an implant-retained denture is a three-on-six implant, which consists of three individual dental bridges attached to six implants in each jaw.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

1. Talking becomes easier: Since dental implants function like natural healthy teeth, you won’t need time to adjust as much and won’t struggle to pronounce everyday words.

2. You can retain your facial shape: Your teeth play a crucial role in supporting the structure of your face, and when you lose a tooth, that support is no longer there. This can wreak havoc over time, leading to a receding jawbone, which can change your facial shape and make you look older.

3. You can enjoy your favourite foods: The enjoyment of food might be marred by concerns about your teeth, worrying about whether your dentures will stay in place, whether people can see your missing teeth, or whether you can bite into something juicy. With dental implants, those worries can be banished, as they are a permanent solution that feels and functions like natural teeth.

4. You can avoid further health issues: Although it is still recommended to visit your dentist regularly, the good news is that cavities can’t occur in an implant-restored crown or replacement tooth. Besides, leaving empty spaces in your mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to additional health issues and jawbone disintegration.

People considering dental implants should consult an experienced and reputable dentist to ensure the best possible outcome.

How much do dental implants cost in South Africa?

Estimating the cost of dental implants is complicated as many factors determine the price. That includes whether you need a bone graft, whether you have gum problems, whether you need a tooth extraction, and of course, how many implants you need.

In addition, the type of implant you choose, your dentist’s experience, and your treatment’s location can all affect the price.

Dental implants in South Africa cost a fraction of what you would pay abroad, and you’re still guaranteed to receive first-class service from highly qualified dentists who adhere to strict international safety standards.

Fortunately, OptiSmile is capable of creating a treatment plan for you, breaking down all the costs that come with perfecting your special smile.

If you want to best understand which treatment will best suit your needs, and how much that will cost, it’s advised to book a consultation before moving forward.