Are Dental Implants Appropriate For A Petite Jaw?
Not everyone's mouth and jaw are the exact same size or bone density. If you have a slight or petite jawline, or have been told by dentists that your mouth is small, you might be concerned that dental implants aren't a suitable replacement for your teeth. The good news is, dental implants work in nearly any size of mouth, and will probably work for you. Keep reading to learn more about why dental implants are such a great fit and are probably an excellent choice for teeth replacement for you.
How Dental Implants Work
In every way, dental implants are designed to replace real teeth seamlessly. Dental implants are made of two parts: a peg that supports the implant, and the replacement tooth itself.
The titanium peg is installed into the gums and jawline, which mimics the support system of a natural tooth's root. On top of that, the tooth is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth.
Because of the way that dental implants are designed to fit in exactly where a tooth once was, they're a great pick for nearly everybody who have teeth that need replacing. However, if your jaw is particularly small, there is an option that will nearly guarantee a good fit: mini dental implants.
Option of Mini Dental Implants
While the tooth on top will definitely be chosen to match your teeth seamlessly, the peg beneath it should be a good match for your jaw size, too. Mini dental implants are smaller than standard dental implants, which make them an excellent choice for those with petite or slight jawlines.
In every way other than the size of the dental peg, mini dental implants are exactly the same as standard dental implants. You can expect them to last just as long and be as sturdy and reliable; they're simply smaller and fit well in smaller gaps between teeth.
Consultation Process
If you're still concerned about it, you should consider consulting with a dentist or cosmetic dentist for advice. They will not only be able to measure the size of your mouth and determine if your jawbone is strong enough for implants, but they can show you a real implant so you know exactly what to expect.
Dental implants are safe, effective, and long-lasting, making them one of the best possible choice for tooth replacement. While not everyone's mouth and jaw are identical, dental implants are designed to be functional in nearly every mouth, so they'll probably work for you. Talk to a dentist, like one from Smudde Family Dentistry Dr. Meredeth Gray, to make sure that you're a good candidate.
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