Missing teeth don’t just ruin a person’s confidence, but they can cause a host of oral health problems that can be challenging to overcome. Dental implants, in this aspect, have revolutionized the oral health of countless people, and it’s become the standard solution to combat missing teeth.
But for those who’ve never heard of this solution, they may wonder, what do dental implants look like exactly? Do dental implants look real? Will they affect how my smile looks? If you’re hesitant about getting dental implants because you’re worried about looks, keep on reading to understand how dental implants replicate your original teeth’s appearance:
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are placed in your jawbone to replace the missing tooth. It consists of three main components: the implant fixture, the abutment, and the dental crown. How a dental implant looks can be dependent on how these three components are placed by a dentist.
The implant fixture is the component that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It is usually made from titanium, a material that is biocompatible, fusing into the bone during the healing process. The fixture has a screw-like structure, which helps anchor it into the jawbone with no chance of displacement.
The abutment is a connector component that attaches to the implant fixture and provides support to the dental crown. It is also usually made out of titanium, but ceramic can also be used. It is placed on top of the implant fixture.
The dental crown is the visible part of the implant and is shaped to resemble your natural tooth. It is designed to fit in with the rest of your teeth, and dental adhesive is used to join the abutment to the crown. When you are trying to understand what dental implants look like, it’s important to note that the dental crown is the most visible component.
What Do Dental Implants Look Like?
When it comes to appearance, you have to consider how the implant fixture, abutment, and dental crown contribute to the overall look of the tooth. While the implant fixture and abutment are not clearly visible, if they’ve been inserted the wrong way, it can ruin the alignment of the dental crown too. Finding a dental implant specialist becomes necessary when you want it to look as natural as possible. Here is how the different components can affect what the dental implant looks like:
Do Dental Implants Look Real?
Most patients who don’t know what dental implants can look like think that there must be a clear difference between real teeth and implants. The truth is, dental implants can look very much like natural teeth, especially when you have a specialist working on them. It can make it difficult for anyone to distinguish between the two once the process is over.
Dental implants look real, and they’re actually better for your smile and oral health in comparison to dental bridges and dentures. They do not require replacements, and most implants can last an entire lifetime if you’re good with your oral care. After the healing process, there is no additional maintenance to keep your implants healthy, and you can continue with your regular oral care.
Certain factors that can determine how your dental implants look include:
- Bone structure (jawline shape and individual anatomy)
- Implant placement location (those at the back are less noticeable, but ones in the front have to be done properly)
- Skill and experience of the dentist you’re working with
Take Your Smile to New Heights with Definitive Dental
When you want your dental implants to look real, you need to be working with a specialist. At Definitive Dental, we take your smile to new heights. Our team in Grand Prairie includes Dr. Guirguis, who is one of the most highly regarded dental implant specialists in the area. We utilize Profound Numbing Guarantee so you can have a pain-free experience while we work on getting you a perfect, natural-looking dental implant.
If you have a badly broken, missing, or chipped tooth, you might be in need of an implant. We can examine your teeth and determine whether you will benefit from getting an implant. Definitive Dental also provides membership plans that make it easier and more cost-efficient for you to get any dental service when you need it.
Schedule a consultation with us today by calling (972) 646-0660 or by filling out our form.