Dental implants have two main purposes in cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants can be placed and topped with a crown in order to replace a missing tooth, or they can be used in conjunction with dentures in order to help offer additional support and structure for a strong hold. When missing teeth are not replaced, the surrounding teeth may shift and cause further functional and cosmetic problems throughout an individual’s mouth. By replacing missing teeth with dental implants or another alternative, you can help eliminate further costs incurred by additional procedures to reconstruct your smile to what it once was.
Dental implants can be used to replace natural teeth that are missing, but they are not the only cosmetic option available. Patients can also consider the use of a bridge or partial denture to accomplish the same results. Bridges are restorations that use the surrounding teeth to support the piece and allow it to fill in the gap that was left behind by the missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar to retainers that pop in with a false tooth that rests within the space. Both are commonly less expensive options, but will not last nearly as long as dental implants and require more maintenance than implants.
Dental implants are also used with removable dentures. Dental implants can be placed in the mouth and then used to “snap” dentures into place. This gives the dentures more hold and strength, allowing an individual to better chew and function with their dentures. The alternative in this case would be dental adhesives, but these oftentimes do not offer long-term stability to the dentures and can be troublesome and frustrating for many.
Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures and bridges when missing teeth are involved. If you live in the Bloomington area and are considering cosmetic dentistry by an experienced dentist, call Dr. Milligan of Eastland Dental Center today and schedule a consultation appointment!
Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.
Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.
Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.
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