It's not uncommon for Americans to get dental implants, considering the fact that the average American between the ages of 20 and 64 has at least three or more decayed or missing teeth. Fortunately, you don't have to suffer with a gap in your mouth if you're simply missing a tooth because dental implants not only look identical to natural teeth, but can also prevent irreversible alveolar bone loss. Before getting the dental implants installed, you'll usually have the opportunity to provide some input as to how you would like the implants to look. Here are 3 aesthetic features you have control over.

Implant Shape

If you're getting dental implants to replace missing molars, you might not be as concerned about the overall look of the implant as it will not be visible when you talk and smile. In these situations, practicality and price may trump aesthetics, and you might not be concerned with whether the implant is the correct shape.

However, if you are getting dental implants to replace teeth missing at the front of the mouth, you might want to consider how the implants will look. In particular, you'll want to consider whether the implants are the right shape or not. For example, whether the implants have rounded or rectangular corners may have an effect on your overall smile.

Implant Color and Shade

Dental implants aren't going to stain; however, they also cannot be whitened through bleaching. As a result, it's important that you carefully consider what you would like the color of your smile to be. If you are planning on whitening your teeth in the future, you might want to consider whitening your teeth before getting the implants installed. This way, you can make sure that the implants will be the same color as the teeth surrounding it.

Implant Thickness or Width

The implant thickness or width is often overlooked; however, it can also have a slight effect on how your overall smile looks like. It can also affect your final bite. If you're not sure how thick or wide the implant should be, compare it to the missing tooth if you still have it around. If not, you can ask your dentist to create a computer simulation as to how the dental implant will fit in your jaw and how it will affect your bite.

Conclusion

Inspect the dental implant before you get it placed in your mouth. Make sure you're happy with what you're getting because removing the implant at a later time in favor of something more suitable will be time-consuming and tedious.