Are you embarrassed to smile because you are missing teeth?
You are not alone. As a dentist, I see so many people whose lives have changed for the worse because they are losing teeth. Men and women of all ages come to see me, sometimes after many years of neglecting their oral health, and sit in my chair looking up at me with desperation and embarrassment in their eyes. Often their self-image is so poor, they don’t smile at all. They cover their mouths when they talk. My job is to help heal their mouths in order to heal the person. These men and women I meet in my practice are first people in my eyes, patients second.
Common reasons for neglecting regular dental care are an abundance of fear and a lack of money. These are very real obstacles in getting to the dentist, and they are nothing to be ashamed of. But, here is what happens.
It’s a vicious cycle. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss, and when people don’t receive regular dental care, it only gets worse. As gum disease progresses, teeth shift, breath starts to have an bad odor…and people smile less. Embarrassment leads to fewer dental visits, the problem progresses even more, and teeth fall out. Social interactions change, self-image goes down the tubes. Smiling just stops.
There is hope, though. And that’s the reason I love what I do. Here are some options available to rehabilitate a smile, even for the faint of heart.
Implants
Dental implants are permanent replacements for the missing natural tooth and they support bone integrity. What this means to patients is a long-lasting solution to tooth loss that can restore a smile’s beauty for a long time to come.
Dentures
Dentures are a removable option that can give patients the chance to smile and eat again with ease. They do not maintain bone structure, however, and do require adjustments over time.
Implant supported dentures
Implant supported dentures are like traditional dentures, but they are secured in the jaw by implants. This option allows for a beautiful smile and has the benefit of a more secure fit than traditional dentures.
More to Come
I’ll be sharing some of my patients’ success stories here from time to time. In the meantime, know that you can change your appearance, no matter how bad you think your smile is. Take your hand away, let go of the embarrassment, and find your smile.
If you think you are ready to take this next step, contact our office for a consultation. We are here to help you make it happen.
Dr. Parbhoo