Discovering YOU Magazine September 2019 Issue | Page 27

Reluctant to Smile?

You could be paying a higher price

than you realize

(BPT) - For millions of individuals who are missing teeth, smiling is no easy task. The decision to get dental implants can prove to be life-changing. Several years ago, Dr. Natalie Wong, president of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), treated a shy 18-year-old man whose front teeth were knocked out in a bullying incident - and she still feels grateful for the opportunity.

When the young man first came to her office, he wouldn't even look up or speak to her. Working slowly over many months, she earned his trust and replaced his missing teeth with dental implants. "The expression on his face when he smiled,

looking at his final teeth, it was amazing," says Wong, who practices in Toronto and is also the founder and director of the Toronto Implant Institute. "We change people's physical state all the time. But when you can change someone's mental state, that's something impactful."

5 reasons dental implants will make you smile

If you've been hesitant or unwilling to smile as often as you would like because you're missing teeth - either from birth, as a result of injury, infection or decay - dental implants could be just what you need to start working those smile muscles a lot more. Here are five reasons dental implants will bring a smile to your face and renewed joy to your life:

* You'll look and feel great. Dental implants feel, look, fit and function like healthy, natural teeth. Whenever you smile, you'll know you look your best. They're so comfortable, you don't have to think about them or care for them any differently than you do your natural teeth. You just brush and floss them - no need to remove them for cleaning.

* They're built to last. When properly cared for, dental implants can last decades. Many other tooth replacement options, including certain types of bridges and dentures, may need to be replaced as often as every five to 10 years, requiring a more significant investment of time and money.

* You can live life with confidence. Dental implants don't slip or click when you talk, eat, laugh or kiss. You can enjoy all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth. You'll also find your speech is more natural. Simply put, you just won't have any excuses not to smile.

BEAUTY AND FASHION

Article by Dr. Natalie Wong