Do Implants Look Real? Unveiling The Natural Look Of Implants

“Do dental implants look real?” is one of the most common questions we’re asked by patients considering their tooth replacement options. The quick answer is yes (in most cases), and in this blog post, we’ll delve into the art and science behind dental implant aesthetics and explore how the perfect blend is achieved. So let’s get started.

The facts

If you’re considering dental implants, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the number of Americans replacing their teeth with dental implants increases by 500,000 annually. That’s a lot of people putting their trust in implants to give them a natural-looking, healthy smile. But the question remains, do implants look real?

The science of natural aesthetics

Dental implants are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants go beyond mere surface-level solutions. A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as a root for the replacement tooth or crown. This unique design allows for stability and functionality that closely mimics natural teeth.

How implants are matched to natural teeth

Achieving a seamless blend between dental implants and natural teeth involves a meticulous approach to color and shape matching when designing the implant crown. That said, some dental implants require more attention to detail than others. For example, an exact match would be more important for a patient replacing a front tooth as opposed to a back molar.

Modern dental technology has come a long way in replicating the nuances of natural teeth, from the shade of enamel to the subtle variations in shape and size. Dentists work closely with patients to customize the appearance of the replacement tooth, ensuring it harmonizes with the existing dentition.

Material matters

Porcelain is a popular choice for implant crowns because the material is semi-translucent, meaning it catches and reflects light in a similar way to our natural teeth. Depending on the location of the implant, your dentist may recommend porcelain for a front tooth or porcelain fused to metal for a back molar that needs to withstand the chewing pressure. The use of high-quality materials is imperative in ensuring dental implants integrate seamlessly with natural dentition.

Once the choice of material has been decided, an impression is taken of the mouth to ensure your crown fits precisely.  A color chart is used to decide on the color and shade that matches the remaining teeth. Implant crowns can be made to look even more realistic when they contain the small ridges and grooves found on natural teeth.

Is it possible to change the implant color at a later date?

While dental implants can be closely matched to your natural tooth color, there are limitations to be aware of. Firstly, you should know that it’s impossible to whiten an implant crown. Because porcelain is a non-porous material it ensures your crowns don’t stain as easily as natural teeth. While this is a good thing, the downside is they don’t whiten like natural teeth.

If you’re looking to have dental implants and you’re unhappy with the colour of your teeth, then you should ask your dentist to whiten them before undergoing the implant procedure. The only way you can change the colour of an implant crown at a later date is to replace it. In other words, if you whiten your teeth after getting dental implants, there’s every chance that the color of your implant crown will no longer match that of your newly whitened teeth.  

Precision placement is key to ensuring dental implants do look real

The success of a dental implant's aesthetics also relies on precise placement within the jawbone. The angle, depth, and alignment of the implant are carefully considered to replicate the natural position of the missing tooth. This attention to detail ensures that the replacement tooth not only looks natural but also functions seamlessly with the surrounding teeth during activities like chewing and speaking.

A Personalized Approach

Every smile is unique, and so is every dental implant procedure. Dentists take a personalized approach, considering the individual characteristics of each patient's natural teeth. Factors such as tooth shape, size, and arrangement are taken into account to create a replacement tooth that seamlessly integrates into the existing smile. This personalized touch is what sets dental implants apart in the world of tooth restoration.

Conclusion

Dental implants have elevated the standard of tooth replacement by not only restoring functionality but also by achieving a natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with natural teeth. With advancements in dental technology and a commitment to precision and personalization, the days of visible dental work are fading. Thanks to dental implants, patients can confidently share their smiles, knowing that their replacement teeth are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. If you're considering dental implants, rest assured that the road to a flawless, natural-looking smile is well within reach

Want to know more?

Hopefully, this post has answered your question “Do dental implants look real?” The most important step to ensuring your dental implants look convincing is to place your smile in the hands of an experienced implant dentist like Dr Melba Akinwande  Chesterfield Dentistry. If you’d like to know more about tooth implants and whether they’re right for you, why not schedule a free implant consultation today?