I’m wondering if I should switch to dental implants, but I’m not sure they’re worth the investment yet. I have three missing teeth and two of them show when I smile. I generally wear a partial denture and I’m quite bothered to go without it. I don’t like to take it out, even at night, because I’m self-conscious about missing those teeth. I also worry that people notice I’m wearing a denture when I talk to them. I’ve actually started worrying so much that I have been refusing to dine out with my acquaintances. I don’t know if it’s all in my head or if people really can tell. I’m having a tough time justifying the costs, though. Is it worthwhile for me to switch to dental implants or am I going to face the same problems?

Beth – Detroit

Dear Beth,

The hard truth is that nobody knows how you, personally, will feel about them if you switch to dental implants. If you’re someone who normally suffers from any kind of anxiety, it could stick around afterward. However, there are some big benefits to switching and it may be enough to help you resume your normal activities. Based on what you’ve expressed, dental implants will be a great option for you. Peace of mind is often worth a little extra cost.

First of all, you won’t be taking them out. They’re permanent, so there’s no concern about going to bed without teeth. A lot of people worry about losing dentures during a meal or about what they can eat without getting food trapped or breaking the denture. This is another thing you won’t have to worry about.

It’s also worth noting that people who have lost teeth start losing bone in that area as well, and this leads to facial collapse. Facial collapse makes people look older than they are, but dental implants can stop or slow down bone loss, so you’ll retain a youthful look longer.

Considering only the teeth, yes, they tend to look cosmetically better as well. The crowns are generally made of layered porcelain, which does a good job of mimicking a natural tooth. They reflect light differently and have some translucency. Dentures are typically made of acrylic or another plastic and they don’t have the same depth to them.

All in all, you’ll probably be much happier because so much of your concerns surround being without teeth, but it’s a good idea for you to see a cosmetic dentist for a consultation on this. You’re going to want someone with extra training and lots of experience doing the work, so you get the best results possible.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Duane Delaune.