How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Life

dental officeStudies show that an estimated 25% of surveyed Americans say that correcting and changing their teeth would improve their self-esteem. This opinion seems appropriate when you consider the current state of dental health in the United States: an estimated one in every five American adults currently has an untreated dental cavity, over 178 million people are currently missing at least one permanent tooth, and over 80 million teeth are extracted every year. But if you are one of the many people missing permanent teeth and believe that the state of your smile is affecting your confidence, there is a form of cosmetic dental surgery that may be able to help you: cosmetic dental implants, a procedure available at a number of cosmetic dental offices in the United States.

An estimated 69% of people between the ages of 35 and 44 in the United States have lost at least one permanent tooth. While the primary effect of this may be aesthetic, it can also affect the way a person speaks, how they eat, and as previously mentioned, their self-confidence. The traditional method of treating this condition is to have the patient fitted for dentures. Currently, an estimated 15% of those in the United States lacking their natural teeth have dentures. However, because dentures can often be ill-fitting and uncomfortable, your dental office may suggest a modern alternative: dental implants.

Dental implants are a comfortable and permanent method of replacing natural teeth, without resorting to dentures or bridges. Unlike the latter two methods, which are removable, dental implants are inserted directly into the jaw socket and are designed to act like your natural teeth. The process, which takes two to three months to heal, has a reputation for being extremely effective, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. While only an estimated 10% of dentists in the United States are currently trained to perform the dental implant procedure, it is often possible to find a dental hospital or dental office in your area that performs the surgery. So if your missing teeth are causing you to feel self-conscious, don’t let your smile dictate your life. Contact a dental implant specialist near you today.