Smile for the camera with Dental implants in Melbourne

When your well-meaning friend shouts, ‘Smile!’ and thrusts a camera phone in your direction, you won’t be alone in thinking that this is actually your idea of a nightmare – you have missing teeth for crying out loud; why would you want to smile next to their Hollywood grin?! You might actually be forgiven for imagining grabbing the phone and stamping on it in a dramatic, oscar-worthy frenzied attack because, let’s face it, they don’t need to take a photo of that time you stood outside a bus stop – what are they thinking?

But, if you don’t fancy coming across like an ungenerous and slightly unhinged friend, you might be more inclined to consider improving the appearance of your smile and protect your remaining teeth and gums from further dental complications through the use of dental implants in Melbourne.

What are implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are attached to the jaw bone and act as artificial roots for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Whether you need a single tooth or multiple teeth replacing, this will determine which type of replacement you have. Crowns are normally used for single teeth and bridges or dentures can be used when there are multiple or whole sets of teeth that need replacing.

Why implants may be the solution for you

While you will need to see an implant dentist to find out if this is the right course of treatment for you, the benefits of implants are numerous. Firstly, having implants means that your replacement teeth will be securely fitted and should therefore be both comfortable and reliable, not loosening when you talk, eat or drink. They should also look natural and people won’t know that you have them as they can’t be seen and your replacement teeth are made to look like your natural ones.

Another benefit of having implants is that it adds structure to your face if you have experienced shrinkage on the face due to the missing teeth. This can make you look more youthful as well – winner, winner! A further bonus is that they are easy to look after.  All you need to do is maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing regularly as well as visiting your dentist for checkups. When you replace missing teeth, you also protect any remaining natural teeth from being exposed to bacteria, when gaps are in your smile. You also protect the gums from being too exposed as well. This can therefore save you from potentially having further issues with your smile at a later date.

The biggest bonus may also be the fact that you don’t require major surgery to have implants fitted; in fact, you can have them with just local anaesthetic. Some patients are eligible for all-on-four, where multiple or whole sets of teeth can be replaced with just four titanium screws, and some can also have same day teeth, where natural teeth are removed on the same days as implants are fitted.

If this sounds like a treatment you’d be interested in finding out more about, rather than falling out with your selfie-loving friend, why not book in with your dentist for a consultation to see if implants could work for you and get you ready to smile for the camera, even if it is through gritted teeth?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.