Do Dental Implants Look Real or Fake: Patient Photos & Expert Opinion By Yamen Akhras on June 29, 2023

If you’ve experienced tooth loss, you might have contemplated implant dentistry. Dental implants can replace missing teeth by supporting crowns, bridges, or even a full set of dentures. But you may be wondering: do the results of dental implant treatment look real or fake?

My team of dentists here in Orland Park, IL, pride themselves on high-quality work and natural-looking results. I’d like to offer my own take on this question and look at some before and after photos to help you decide if dental implants look natural or artificial.

Natural-Looking and Realistic

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, dental implant restorations can and often do look just like a person’s natural teeth. Modern advances in fabrication techniques and innovations in materials have improved the aesthetics of implant dentistry.

I have placed many implants and implant restorations at my Orland Park dental practice. My patients have been just as pleased with the final results of treatment as I have. My implant training with the Misch Institute and the Urban Regeneration Institute has helped me refine my craft and know what it takes to achieve natural-looking outcomes.

High Patient Satisfaction Rates

The great aesthetic outcomes contribute to high levels of patient satisfaction. According to a study published by BMC Oral Health, there was a 93% patient satisfaction rate 10 years after their implants had been placed.

Some Before and After Photos for Comparison

Seeing is believing when it comes to dental implant results. That’s why I’d like to focus on these dental implant patient before and after photos. These are actual patients of mine who wanted to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth using dental implants.

I’ll offer some of my insight into each of these cases to provide context and help you understand what you’re looking at.

Take a Closer Look: Single-Tooth Replacement Results

You can see in the before photo how a single missing incisor can leave a prominent gap in your smile. This before photo also allows you to see the implant itself secured directly into the jawbone.

Once the abutment and tooth-colored crown are in place, the difference is dramatic. In the after photo, notice how pristine the custom crown looks. It appears natural and even reflects light much like real enamel.

Additional restorative dentistry work can be performed here to address the notable wear on the patient’s other teeth, but the focus is on single-tooth replacement here.

Take a Closer Look: Implant-Supported Crown and Traditional Crown

In this case, two custom crowns are being used for two front teeth. The tooth on the left of the before photo has been prepped for a traditional tooth-colored dental crown, which will cap the healthy tooth structure. The tooth on the right of the before photo has an abutment in place, which will connect the implant to the custom crown.

In the after photo, you can see just how seamless the outcomes can be. The crowns glisten like actual teeth. You can also see how the crown materials react to a change in lighting.

At a distance or up close, the traditional crown and the implant crown look just like natural teeth.

Take a Closer Look: Custom Implant-Supported Crown for a Front Tooth

Here is another example of a single tooth replacement for a missing incisor. The gap left by the missing tooth is quite prominent.

In the after photo, you can see the custom implant crown in place. The semi-translucent crown adds to the natural appearance; notice how a denser inner material is suggested by the crown material and color.

I will note that the patient’s natural teeth have a yellow discoloration to them, which can occur as part of the natural aging process. Rather than matching the crown to these stained teeth, I’d recommend cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve a total smile makeover.

"Dental implant restorations can and often do look just like a person’s natural teeth."

Technology Plays a Role in These Results

I mentioned how important technology is to the look, feel, and function of dental implants. That’s why my office here in Orland Park uses some of the latest dental equipment and tools available.

By combining the use of various diagnostic and planning tools, my dental team can determine optimal implant placement and help with the fabrication of custom restorations that are durable yet comfortable.

Why Choose Premier Dental & Implant Center for Your Dental Implants?

If you are curious about dental implants, I’d encourage you to visit my Orland Park dentistry practice. I have a great team of dentists and hygienists on staff who are ready to give you all the information you need about your dental care options.

In addition to the technology used at my practice, there are several factors that set my practice apart from other dentist’s offices in Cook County and Will County:

Dental Implant Training - I have trained with both the Misch Institute and the Urban Regeneration Institute, both leaders in the field of hands-on implant dentistry training. Like the other dentists on the team, I also take continuing education courses to remain at the forefront of this evolving field.
Prioritize Patient Comfort - My team does everything we can to reduce discomfort during dental implant treatment. The office is accommodating for all patients, and we offer different forms of dental sedation to help you achieve a relaxed, stress-free state during every visit.
Virtual Consultations Available - You don’t necessarily have to come into my Orland Park office to get facts about dental implants or any other treatment. With virtual dental consultations, you can speak directly with a dentist and have your candidacy assessed from the comfort of your own home.
Comprehensive Dentistry Services - If implant dentistry isn’t right for you, no problem. At my practice, we also offer traditional dental bridges as well as partial and complete dentures as solutions for tooth loss. We won’t pressure you into any treatments that you don’t want or need.

Set Up a Dental Implant Consultation Today

Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth? Are you interested in dental implants? Would you like to find out if they are the right option for you?

You’re more than welcome to visit my Orland Park dental care practice. My team of experienced dentists will answer all of your questions about implant dentistry and help you weigh the pros, cons, and costs involved with treatment. Contact Premier Dental & Implant Center today to set up an appointment.

About Yamen Akhras, DDS
Dr. Yamen Akhras completed training in dental implants from the Misch Institute and the Urban Regeneration Institute. He specializes in treating gum disease, placing implants, and bone and gum grafting.