One of our recent implants cases asked us these questions:
I am missing my four front teeth – I currently have a dental plate (denture). I am considering dental implants to replace my usage of the denture as it’s not ideal for me. I am in my early 20s. I have a few questions:
Q1. The look – As I am still young I am looking for a dental solution for teeth that look authentic and realistic. So people don’t suspect that I have false front teeth. I have been lucky thus far with my dental plate. Although, I must admit, I don’t smile at all, I hide it – in case someone sees that it is actually a dental place. Therefore if I have dental implants, would they look similar or near my original, natural front teeth?
A1. The dental implants will not be visible as they will be the root of your new tooth and will be hidden by your gums. The dental implants will act as an anchor for a crown which will be made to look like one of your natural teeth, and people will not be able to tell the difference unless you told them.
Q2. The Feel – I’ve been told that the dental crowns on the implants feel like the crowns on your natural teeth? Is this true? Because on my dental plate, compared to my remaining natural teeth, my plate has a noticeably horrid plastic feeling on the attached teeth. Will the crown feel smooth and natural like my original teeth? Furthermore, I’ve been told the Implants don’t have the ligament that the natural teeth have therefore you can feel the full stress of chewing, is this a horrible feeling or is it bearable and can you get use to it?
A2. The dental crowns on the implants will feel like a natural tooth. You won’t be able to tell that you have a crown or a implant in. With implants you will also be able to chew as normal and there won’t be a horrible feeling.
Q3. Staining – As I’m a British person I do drink a lot of tea. So I was wondering, how easily do the crowns stain? Are they durable or can they stain quite easily?
A3. Crowns are durable but this is very much dependent on the persons lifestyle. The foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth (e.g. coffee, Red Wine etc), overtime can also cause staining to crowns. But if you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine and brush effectively on a regular basis (at least twice a day) you will be able to maintain your crowns for longer.
Q4. Jaw Feeling – Will jaw and mouth feel comfortable months after the implant + crown have been placed? Will they feel exactly like original teeth? Because I know the tooth root is made of hard substance, but since there is metal substance being placed in my jaw (the implant) will there be any different feeling and/or regular pain?
A4. After the healing period of having a dental implant, your implant and crown will feel exactly like one onf your original teeth and you won’t be able to feel the difference.
Q5. Cleaning method – How hard is it to clean your dental implants? Is the regular, recommended two minute enough to clean them or do they need longer?
A5. Your dental implants will not need cleaning as they will be hidden in your gums and covered by the crown. Your crown will however need the same amount of cleaning as your normal teeth do.
Q6. Breath – My last question is breath freshness. Will your breath be prone to smelling less fresh once the implants and crowns are in or can you expect the same freshness of breath you would get if they were still natural teeth? Keeping in mind oral hygiene is maintain to the highest standard.
A6. As long as you maintain the same high oral hygiene standard you will have the same breath freshness.
