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 It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.

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It’s Never too Late to Straighten Your Smile

Can Anyone Get A Dental Implant?

by Jacqueline Byrd

Dental implant surgery is effective for replacing missing teeth. Even though dental care in the United States is advanced, millions of people still suffer tooth loss. The problem emanates from injuries, gum ailments, and tooth decay. Thankfully, implants can help restore confidence and a smile in these patients. Learn about the requirements for you to qualify for a dental implant.

Who Is the Right Candidate?

The right candidate for dental implants should have healthy teeth and gums. This way, the dentition can be strong enough to hold the implant in place. In addition, the patient should have excellent oral hygiene. Plus, you should be dedicated to consistent dentist visits. A dentist will examine you for underlying issues before you proceed to the next step.

Also, you will need sufficient bone density for the procedure. If the jawbone is thin, a dentist will perform grafting to boost bone mass. This exercise is crucial since your jawbone fuses with a dental implant. Thus, it should be sturdy for the process.

Patients Who Can't Get Implants

For starters, patients under the age of 18 can't get a dental implant. At this point, their jawbones are still growing. Thus, the bone isn't strong enough to withstand the procedure. The following candidates don't qualify for implants:

  • Heavy smokers
  • Those with periodontal disease
  • Those with heart disease
  • Those with diabetes
  • Patients who have undergone radiation therapy in the head or neck

If you have gum disease, your dentist will treat the condition first. When you fully recover, you can go ahead and have the implant. The above people aren't ideal for the procedure because of the risks that might arise due to ill health. Just like any other surgery, dental implants need healthy people.

How to Become the Right Candidate

After an examination, your dentist might inform you that you don't qualify for the procedure.  The bright side is that you can make some changes in your life to become the right candidate for dental implants. For instance, if you're a smoker, you need to cut out on smoking.

Also, practice excellent oral hygiene habits, such as flossing and brushing. This will enable you to have healthy teeth and gums free from cavities and infections. Besides, incorporate a nutritional diet into your meals such as:

  • Leafy greens
  • Nuts
  • Apples and pears
  • Fish and meats
  • Milk

Remember to hydrate as well to boost your overall health and boost fluorides in your dentition. The above foods are rich in calcium and vitamins that are essential for vibrant teeth. 

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