You’ll find no shortage of information about dental implants online—in fact, it can be a little bit overwhelming. The consensus is that they are great in every possible way: they look natural, are extremely strong, and can last for decades. This causes many people to ask, “Well, why don’t I just replace my healthy teeth with dental implants…they seem better anyway!”
However, that’s NOT the case. Keep reading to learn why protecting and preserving your natural teeth is always the wisest decision.
Nothing Beats Real Teeth
In short, if you ask any dentist, they will all tell you that real, healthy teeth are better than dental implants in almost every way you can imagine. They have a lifelike appearance because, well, they were created by nature! They give people a much stronger bite force compared to implants, and (with proper care) natural teeth can be more durable and offer better support for the jawbone.
While dental implants simulate healthy teeth very well, they can’t surpass them.
A Long Road
For people with missing teeth who get dental implants, they can be life-changing in so many positive ways. That’s why they are willing to undergo the months-long process.
However, for a person with relatively healthy teeth, they would first have to have all of their teeth extracted (which may take multiple appointments), take a few weeks to heal, go back to have their implants placed, and then wait four to six months before their new teeth could be attached.
If you have an incomplete smile, then this considerable time, effort, and expense is worth it, but only in that situation.
Better Alternatives
If you’re unhappy with your teeth for any reason, there are many treatments available to you that cost less, are faster, and may be better suited to your situation than dental implants.
Crowns and fillings can improve the strength and appearance of compromised teeth, while veneers can completely refresh the smile’s appearance in just two appointments.
Are dental implants the best option for patients with missing teeth? In many cases, yes! But if you still have your own pearly whites, simply taking care of them and getting routine care is the most effective approach when it comes to your long-term health, comfort, and confidence.
About the Practice
Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh is led by Dr. Matt Ricke and Dr. Bill Sowter. Our primary goal with every patient is to help them preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible. But if any go missing, we offer multiple options to replace them that can be trusted to restore daily function while having top-level aesthetics. If you have any questions about replacing your teeth or dental implants, you can speak directly to our team through our website or by phone at (919) 781-8610.