Key ways that dental implants can impact dental alignment
Are you fed up with those gaps in your smile? You aren’t alone!
Many dental patients are eager to close gaps, and now, there is a solution that can restore your teeth and bite strength.
Dental implants have revolutionised modern dentistry by providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth. While their primary purpose is to restore function and appearance, dental implants can also significantly impact the alignment of teeth.
When it comes to dental implants Sheffield, our team at Dee Kay Dental can be instrumental in helping you restore your smile and the strength of your bite. We will help with all aspects of aftercare, so you can have a stunning smile for years to come.
In this article, our cosmetic dental team will explore 5 ways in which dental implants Sheffield can influence the alignment of teeth, leading to improved oral health and overall well-being.
Preventing tooth drift
When a tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth often start to shift or drift into the gap left behind. This phenomenon is known as tooth drift, and it can cause a misalignment to form with your remaining teeth. Dental implants Sheffield play a crucial role in preventing tooth drift by filling the space with an artificial tooth root. The implant acts as a stable anchor, ensuring that surrounding teeth stay in their correct positions, maintaining the natural alignment of the entire dental arch.
Restoring proper bite alignment
Missing teeth can lead to an imbalance in the bite, which can have detrimental effects on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Over time, this misalignment can cause issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and headaches. Dental implants restore proper bite alignment by providing a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth. With an improved bite, the stress on the jaw joint is reduced, and the remaining teeth are more likely to align correctly, promoting overall dental harmony.
Enhancing orthodontic treatments
In some cases, patients with severely misaligned teeth may require orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners to achieve a straight smile. Dental implants can complement orthodontic interventions by serving as anchor points for specific movements; this approach is particularly beneficial when there are missing teeth or inadequate support for traditional orthodontic devices. By integrating dental implants into the treatment plan, orthodontists can achieve better results and reduce the treatment duration.
Preserving bone density and facial structure
When a tooth is lost, the jaw underneath it will often shrink back, as it is no longer holding anything in place, as well as a lack of stimulation. This bone resorption can lead to a sunken facial appearance and negatively impact the alignment of remaining teeth. Inserted into the jawbone, dental implants provide the necessary stimulation, preserving bone density and facial structure. By maintaining a healthy bone foundation, the fittings support neighbouring teeth, promoting a stable and aligned dental structure.
Balancing dental arch
The natural alignment of teeth contributes to an aesthetically pleasing smile and proper bite function. When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth may shift to fill the gap, causing an imbalance in the dental arch. Dental implants can help restore balance to the dental arch by replacing missing teeth with prosthetic ones that blend seamlessly with the natural teeth; this results in a more symmetrical and harmonious smile, enhancing both appearance and function.