If you have any gaps in your smile, you might want to consider dental implants as a way to fix each gap.
This procedure is a permanent way to replace the holes left by missing teeth.
You should talk to your dentist to find out if he or she would recommend this option for you.
Until then, you can learn a little about what it entails.
An implant is made of a few different parts.
The titanium metal is what fuses with the jaw bone, keeping the device in place for several years so you can feel confident that it will not fall out.
The bridge is what fits right over the part that is attached to the bone, and the crown is attached to it.
The crown is what creates a natural looking tooth replacement that you can be proud to show off.
Implants are usually used in place of dentures, since many people do not like the fact that dentures can fall out of the mouth accidentally.
If you want something that stays in, and that you do not have to clean separately in special cleaning solution, you should ask your dentist about this option.
In order to get approved for it, you will first have to schedule an appointment to get x-rays and a thorough exam.
Your dentist needs to make sure you have a strong enough jaw bone for the metal post to attach permanently.
If you have had any bone loss, you might still be a candidate, but only after the practitioner grafts bone to your mouth from another area of your body.
This can take some additional time to do, but this option is still more attractive to many patients than dentures.
Once your mouth is ready for implants, a specialist will surgically implant the metal posts in your gums.
At that point, your dentist will need to take impressions of your jaw to create a crown that will fit you perfectly.
Once it is made, the crown will be placed on the post.
You can expect to have some follow-up appointments to make sure the implant is working well and looks its best.
But once it's clear it worked, your dentist can simply keep an eye on it at each checkup and cleaning you schedule in the coming years.
You might find that implants are not right for your mouth.
If so, your practitioner should tell you what other options you have.
Either way, you should be able to find a solution for the gaps you have in your smile.