Missing teeth affect more than just your smile—they impact your confidence, oral health, and overall quality of life. At the Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine, CA, Dr. Emil Hawary, a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), helps patients throughout Orange County restore their smiles with the most advanced tooth replacement solution available: dental implants.
The Critical Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
When you lose a tooth, the consequences extend far beyond aesthetics. The surrounding bone begins to deteriorate within months, leading to facial structure changes and premature aging. Adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, creating bite problems and increasing your risk of decay and gum disease.
Missing teeth also affect your ability to chew properly, potentially limiting your food choices and impacting your nutrition. The psychological effects are equally significant—many patients report feeling self-conscious about smiling, speaking, or eating in public.
What Makes Dental Implants the Superior Choice
Dental implants stand apart from traditional bridges and dentures because they replace both the tooth root and crown. Made from biocompatible titanium, implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent foundation that stimulates bone growth and prevents deterioration.
Unlike bridges, which require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, implants preserve your natural tooth structure. Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause embarrassing moments, implants function exactly like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence.
Long-Term Benefits That Last a Lifetime
The investment in dental implants pays dividends for decades. With proper care, implants can last 25 years or longer—often a lifetime. This durability makes them more cost-effective than bridges or dentures, which require regular replacement every 7-15 years.
Implants maintain your jawbone structure, preventing the sunken facial appearance common with long-term tooth loss. They’re also easier to clean than bridges, requiring only regular brushing and flossing like natural teeth. This simplicity helps protect your remaining teeth and gums from future problems.
From a lifestyle perspective, implants offer unmatched freedom. You can enjoy crunchy apples, sticky caramels, and your favorite foods without worry. There are no dietary restrictions, no messy adhesives, and no fear of embarrassing slips during important conversations.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults in good general health can receive dental implants. Ideal candidates have sufficient bone density to support the implant and healthy gums free from periodontal disease. Age isn’t typically a limiting factor—patients from their twenties to their nineties have successfully received implants.
Dr. Hawary evaluates several factors during your consultation, including your medical history, bone quality, and oral health status. Patients with diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions may still be candidates with proper medical clearance and management.
Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone, advanced techniques like bone grafting can often make implants possible. Dr. Hawary’s expertise as an AACD Fellow ensures you receive the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment options available.
Experience Excellence in Irvine
Serving patients throughout Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Orange County, the Art of Dentistry Institute combines cutting-edge technology with Dr. Hawary’s extensive training and artistic eye. His fellowship status with the AACD represents the highest level of cosmetic dentistry achievement, ensuring your implants not only function perfectly but look naturally beautiful.
Don’t let missing teeth compromise your health or happiness any longer. Contact the Art of Dentistry Institute today to discover how dental implants can transform your smile and restore your confidence for life.
