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Even people who take care of their teeth sometimes lose them as they age. The leading cause of tooth loss is tooth decay. Decay occurs when bacteria in our mouths combine with the foods we eat to produce acids. These acids gradually destroy tooth enamel, which affects the structure of our teeth. The natural result is discomfort that inevitably turns into pain; then the affected tooth must be removed. Who's At Risk? According to a recent report, nearly one-third of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Some of these patients will eventually lose their pearly whites to the common condition. About one-quarter of adults over the age of 60 are entirely edentulous, or toothless. Fortunately for this growing group of seniors, dental implants are now widely available. Here are just a few of the benefits they offer over other tooth replacement options. 1. Durability Much stronger than dentures or bridges, implants are designed to last a lifetime. Typically made of titanium, they are much harder than other replacement options, allowing users to enjoy foods they haven't had in ages. Popcorn, nuts, and even saltwater taffy can be safely and comfortably consumed after implantation. 2. Security Because they are removable, they have a habit of moving around when you chew and even when you speak. As such, many wearers become self-conscious about their fake teeth and dread going out in public with them. By comparison, dental implants look, feel, and perform almost exactly like real teeth. Screwed directly into the gums, these replacements will never shift, wiggle, slide, or move in any way. They are, in fact, far more sturdy and secure than natural teeth. 3. Appearance Because they cover the gums, dentures often change the shape of the face. Some users are practically unrecognizable when they slip on a pair of over-sized dentures that make their cheeks and mouths bulge. Many find that it makes them look older than they are, while others complain that their smile looks strange. Once again, implants have an enormous advantage in this area. The fact that they are modeled on natural teeth and are screwed directly into the gums means that they do not change the look of the lips or jawline. 4. Speech Even if they fit like a glove, dentures almost always require a period of adjustment, during which the wearer must learn to speak with confidence again. But because they often slip and slide, some folks have a difficult time speaking like they once did. They may mumble far more often and have a hard time pronouncing certain words. Dental implants, on the other hand, do not affect speech in any noticeable way. 5. Comfort The top complaint of denture wearers everywhere is that their replacement teeth cause oral irritation. Often a result of slipping and sliding, there is really no way to address this common issue. Most users simply have to get used to having sore gums. As you may have guessed, dental implants eliminate the discomfort associated with them. After they recover from surgery, most users cannot tell the difference between their new teeth and their old ones. Dental implants offer a number of important advantages over more popular tooth replacement options. When looking for dental implants, Moline, IL residents go to Secure Dental. To learn more, visit http://www.secure-dental.com/dental_implants/
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