Are you missing a few teeth and considering partial dentures or a dental bridge? If so, you should first consider dental implants for missing teeth. Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth because of their amazing benefits. If you aren't sure if dental implants are the best choice for you, check out these three reasons you should consider them.

They Are Extremely Durable

Dental implants are the most durable way to replace missing teeth. Dentures sit on top of your gums and dental bridges require existing healthy teeth to support them, which strains the tooth. Dental implants, however, sit in your gum like natural teeth. The implant is made of titanium, which can actually fuse to bone. This is the secret behind the implants durability. Ligaments hold your natural teeth in place, preventing them from falling out or becoming lose. As the bone bonds to the titanium implant, it creates a hold that mimics the ligaments. With proper care, you may never need to replace your implant.

They Protect Your Existing Teeth

Partial dentures can damage healthy teeth. They typically have metal parts that attach to teeth to hold the partial in place. This scratches the enamel, weakening the tooth and making it more susceptible to decay. When you get a bridge, healthy teeth must be filed down and the enamel completely removed to hold the bridge. This leaves some of your natural, healthy teeth affected for life. If your bridge breaks or if you decide to replace it with an implant, this leaves the anchor teeth exposed and vulnerable to severe decay and infection. They will forever require protection in the form of a bridge or crown.  

They Protect Your Jawbone

One amazing feature of dental implants is they protect your jaw. When teeth are removed, the jawbone starts to deteriorate in that location because it has nothing to do. Therefore, it gets no stimulation, and like an unused muscle, it shrinks. Depending on how many teeth you have missing, this can drastically change the look of your face in the future, making you look older than you are. Because bone fuses to the titanium implant, it gives the jaw bone something to do, so it doesn't shrink.

Dental implants are expensive, but they are also the best way to replace your missing teeth, because they work and look almost like real teeth. If you would like more information regarding dental implants, contact a dentist in your area today.