The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that American adults aged 20 to 64 have an average of 25.5 teeth left from a possible 32. At Kathryn Jodry, DDS, we meet many patients who feel overwhelmed by the choices for replacing missing teeth.
Dentures, bridges, and dental implants all promise to restore your smile, but not all solutions are equal. If you’re wondering which option will give you the most natural feel, the longest lifespan, and the best confidence boost, let us explain why dental implants stand out.
One of the biggest concerns patients share with us is how their new teeth will feel. Will they slip? Will they click when talking or eating? With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about these issues.
Dental implants act just like natural teeth. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone, creating a stable base for the replacement tooth. This means you can bite into an apple, enjoy your favorite foods, and talk confidently without the fear of your teeth moving or falling out.
Most patients quickly forget they have an implant because it feels so natural!
When you lose a tooth, it doesn’t just cause a gap in your smile. The bone underneath begins to weaken and shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. This process, called bone loss, can change the shape of your face over time and weaken your jaw.
Unlike dentures and bridges, which sit above the gum line, dental implants stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots. This helps preserve bone strength and maintains your facial structure.
By choosing implants, you’re not only restoring your smile but also protecting the foundation of your oral health.
Dentures and bridges often require repairs or replacement over time. Dentures can warp, crack, or become loose, and bridges might need adjustments if surrounding teeth shift. This can mean more trips to the dentist and more unexpected costs.
Dental implants, in contrast, are designed for durability. With proper care — including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups — implants can last for decades or even a lifetime. Long-term research indicates that approximately 94% of dental implants remain functional beyond 15 years.
Many of our patients love the peace of mind that comes with knowing their implants are a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
We understand how much a smile can impact your self-esteem. Missing teeth or loose dentures can make people self-conscious when speaking, laughing, or taking photos. Dental implants help restore not just the appearance of your smile but also your confidence.
Implants blend into your smile because they’re custom-designed to match your natural teeth's color and shape seamlessly. There are no visible metal clasps, no awkward gaps, and no fear of embarrassing slips during conversations or meals.
Many of our patients tell us that after getting implants, they smile more freely and feel better about their appearance every day.
Traditional bridges rely on the neighboring teeth for support. To place a bridge, dentists often have to file down healthy teeth to anchor the restoration. Over time, this can weaken those teeth and increase the risk of future dental problems.
With dental implants, we don’t need to touch your healthy teeth at all. Each implant stands on its own, preserving the natural structure of the teeth around it. This helps support your overall oral health and avoids unnecessary damage.
Choosing a tooth replacement option is a big decision, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
While dentures and bridges are effective solutions in certain situations, dental implants consistently offer the best combination of strength, appearance, and long-term health benefits. However, they may not suit everyone.
For example, some patients have insufficient jawbone to anchor the implant. It’s often possible to address this with surgery to graft more bone to your jaw, but this adds to the complexity of your procedure.
If you’re curious whether implants are right for you, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team by calling Kathryn Jodry, DDS, or sending a message via the online inquiry form. We take the time to understand your needs and guide you toward the best option for your smile.
