The Self Confidence and Mental Health Benefits of Dental Implants

The world is paying more attention to mental health these days as people try to cope with the pandemic and the lack of socializing. The downtime and isolation of the last year and a half has given them time to notice the things that bother them the most and damage their overall mental health.

One clear thing is that we are a culture that puts a lot of emphasis on how a person looks. It’s everywhere you turn, magazine ads, social media, striving for that perfect image of who you want to be. Movies and TV have made getting that ideal bright white straight smile a substantial part of living up to the beauty standard. In some ways, it’s something we can ignore, but more extensive issues like missing teeth, especially front teeth, can make a person uncomfortable in their own skin.

Get Your Smile Back and be Happier

People who damaged teeth or missing teeth will often stop smiling altogether.

Interestingly, smiling is one of the ways that we can improve our mental health; basically, convincing yourself that you’re happy by smiling can really make you happy and feel better.

However, dental problems can prevent using that method. For example, someone missing a tooth or multiple teeth may stop smiling altogether because they are just too self-conscious to show those flaws. Thankfully, however, we live in a day and age where there are high-tech options to give you back the confidence to smile brightly. 

Implants By Far the Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentures, partials, and bridges used to be the primary option for those who have lost teeth for one reason or another. These days, however, dental implants are the way to go. Dental implants are a popular choice for several reasons, from comfort to keeping a youthful appearance. As a result, people are picking implants over dentures more and more often.

Studies have even shown the overall mental health and quality of life of those who have gotten dental implants.

Dental implants have key advantages over the previous options. First dentures can be embarrassing, especially for younger patients. They come out and can be awkward. They don’t always fit perfectly no matter how great a job the dentist does because the bone structure underneath continues to change. Dentures that don’t sit quite right can slip out at all the wrong moments. They can even fall out while talking or eating if not correctly secured, which can entail using adhesives that don’t taste or feel great. None of these is an issue when it comes to dental implants.

Dental Implants: More Comfortable than Other Options

Dentures can also be uncomfortable, rubbing against the gums and leaving sores that could even become infected. When dentures rub against the jaw, they also increase the risk of bone deterioration.  On the other hand, dental implants can help to prevent bone erosion on the jaw. Because they actually mimic the root of a tooth, and you can chew normally, eating nearly anything you would with natural teeth, encouraging bone growth.

Look Younger with Dental Implants

Dental implants can also help to support the surrounding teeth, that without being replaced, can start to shift and settle into the open spaces causing discomfort and misalignment. When your teeth aren’t aligned properly, it can cause more complicated dental health issues down the road.

Implants also help to prevent sagging and the looks of early aging. Facial structure is another area where self-confidence will be significantly improved by going forward with dental implants. No one wants to appear older than necessary; without the support of the jaw and teeth, there is a higher chance of sagging and wrinkling around the mouth and nose. It can also cause the cheeks to sink into the face giving a hollow expression. By replacing missing teeth and stopping the erosion of the jawbone, you ensure the structure to avoid the nose and lips from sagging down, and overall just supports the face as natural teeth do.

Dental Implants Your Best First Impression

First impressions are considerably important; for example, a job interview can be won or lost within that first few moments. If someone avoids smiling to hide their missing front tooth, they may come across as rude or unpleasant, and it could even cost them the chance of a job. In addition, they may not want to smile because of the social stigma surrounding bad teeth, fearing that it will hurt their chances of being hired.

No More Speech Problems With Dental Implants

Another problem with missing teeth is the way it can impact our speech patterns. The teeth are heavily involved in talking, making it easy to enunciate clearly and sound the way we want. Unfortunately, when you lose your front teeth, you can develop different types of speech impediments, including a lisp, which can be a real hit to self-confidence. Dental implants act just like natural teeth, meaning you can return to your standard speech patterns quickly. With dentures, however, people are often forced to learn to accommodate the extra materials in their mouths. Though this hindrance can be overcome with practice, it can be a frustrating and challenging process.

Boost Your Confidence

Dental implants offer a modern and simple solution to these confidence squashing problems associated with the loss of teeth. Studies have even shown that there are stigmas around looks and that it can hurt your chances in a job interview. And no matter how much we feel like it’s wrong, it is still a current fact of our society.

Better Hygiene With Dental Implants

With dental implants, you’ll also be able to keep brushing your teeth like you always have. They don’t require unique products or care. You can brush and floss and keep your other natural teeth looking great and staying healthy. Dental implants, however, have the bonus of not being able to get cavities.

Implants have become a top choice with most patients. Though it is more expensive, the benefits make up the difference. Especially when you take into consideration the difference, it makes in your mental health and self-confidence.  Who knows, with that extra confidence, you might even be able to land that dream job or pitch the raise you know you deserve.