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Some would argue that you are your smile.

It’s the first thing people look at when they’re trying to decide if they like you or not, so there’s a lot riding on a good, healthy grin.

If you smile with a missing tooth, you might give off the wrong impression. Since you probably don’t want to be thought of as a pirate or bar brawler, dental implants can work wonders.

The best part is that these nifty tooth replacements look and feel like natural teeth, so nobody will even know the difference when you show off your pearly whites.

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

So what exactly are dental implants?

After tooth loss or removal, a screw-shaped dental implant or artificial tooth root is placed and integrated into your natural bone.

The dental implant’s body comprises three parts, each serving a particular purpose.

The implant (or screw) is a substitute for the tooth’s natural root abutment connecting the implant screw to the crown.

The crown is a ‘fake’ tooth that sits on the abutment. Porcelain crowns are tooth-coloured and resemble the patient’s natural teeth in shape, size, and, colouration.

The abutment joins the artificial tooth root (implant) to the new porcelain crown, which supports the new tooth.

At OptiSmile, all three implant parts – the titanium screw (implant body), abutment, and porcelain tooth – are custom-made for each parent type of dental implant.

You get various types of dental implants, including single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, all-on-four dental implants, and three-on-six dental implants – which you can read about here.

What are the costs of dental implants?

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.

That means that dental implants are a significant investment in your comfort and quality of life.

However, 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.

The good news is that 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.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution and can last between 20 and 30 years, notes Revitalise Dental Centre. However, their longevity very much depends on how well you look after your teeth and general oral hygiene.

What can affect dental implants’ lifespan, you ask? Well, as it goes for any dental treatment, there are a host of different factors to consider.

Your oral health is probably the biggest factor, including lifestyle choices like what you eat and whether you smoke or enjoy things that can dramatically affect your teeth (think coffee, sugar, and alcohol, to name a few).

It is advised to cut back on these products in the early stages of getting dental implants, especially so that you can allow optimal healing to take place. One should also brush their teeth twice a day and floss as often as possible to help reduce the build-up of plaque and keep gums healthy.

There’s also the consideration of possible injury or damage, as well as medical conditions (particularly diabetes or a weakened immune system) which could impact how long dental implants last.

Which teeth are replaced and where they sit in the mouth is also a factor to consider as they all have different functions and some, like your back teeth, are put under additional pressure more regularly.

If you’re an anxious teeth grinder, that could also be a problem for dental implants.

The best bet is to chat with your dentist about the available options and any existing medical conditions before you begin treatment. They will be able to properly assess whether dental implants are the right option for you and what you can do to ensure their longevity.

When you’re ready to move forward, OptiSmile is there to help with that long life full of smiles.

[sources:optismile&revitalisedentalcentre]