When it comes to changing your appearance, it is best to be aware in advance if you will be suitable for the change you are going to make.
For instance, if you are changing your hair colour from a dark brown to a platinum blonde, you may or may not be aesthetically suitable for the change in colour. While changing your hair colour is a very minor example, there are many other cosmetic changes that require a bit more research and advice from professionals about suitability.
Cosmetic dentistry is no different. While dentists are now able to whiten teeth up to 16 shades by placing veneers and straighten teeth with invisible aligners, such treatments are only available if you are deemed suitable. And if you are looking to have dental implants fitted, it is important to have a vague idea in advance of what will make you the perfect fit for implant surgery.
Good oral health
At the foundation of all cosmetic dental work is good oral health, and dental implants are no different!
If you haven’t visited your dentist for a general check-up in a while, you will need to get your overall oral health on track before you undertake dental implants.
Over 18
While this may seem like more of a legal issue in relation to consent and undertaking an adult procedure, that is only part of it.
When a person turns 18 years of age, their jawbone stops growing. This is particularly relevant when placing oral implants, as if they were fitted on a jaw that still had some growing to do, they might become displaced and fall out.
Preferable that you are a non-smoker and non-drinker
While your dentist cannot forbid you from having oral implants fitted if you smoke or regularly consume excessive quantities of alcohol, these lifestyle choices can have an enormous impact on your implants.
As both cigarettes and alcohol cause the gum line to recede, this can prompt the implant to loosen and move, which has an obvious negative impact on its position in your mouth.
And, of course, consuming alcohol in excess and smoking cigarettes also increases the likelihood of oral cancers and gum disease, so try to quit these habits before approaching a dentist for oral implants.
No complex orthodontic issues
If your upper and lower jaw do not align correctly, it is likely that you grind your teeth in your sleep.
While this may not seem important in relation to implants, if they are placed in a mouth that grinds, it will put additional pressure on them, potentially prompting them to fall out. Once again, your dentist cannot forbid you from undertaking implants if you have orthodontic issues, but it may cause problems with their longevity.
Enough bone
This can be hard to assess on your own!
A scan from your dentist will be able to examine if you have enough jawbone to have regular implants fitted. If not, they will be able to recommend a substitute treatment.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
