There are different options for those individuals who are missing teeth. Sometimes tooth bonding can help, in the case of only one or two missing teeth. However, more than that and it would be a better idea to look into other options. For a few more missing teeth, veneers may be an option and patients may be more interested in these because they look more like natural teeth. However, there are other options when missing several teeth. Especially for younger patients, dentures may not sound very appealing. They also may not be the best option for younger patients.

Luckily, there is another option out there called dental implants. This is when an artificial tooth is surgically implanted directly into the patient's jaw bone. While this seems quite severe, it is a good option. This article lists several advantages to dental implants.

• They help to improve the appearance and the function of the smile. When several teeth are missing from the smile, this is often not very aesthetically pleasing. Dental implants look and function just like regular teeth, so they help to improve the appearance. It can also be difficult to speak or chew with several missing teeth, but implants resolve this issue.
• They help to prevent jaw deterioration. For those who have several teeth missing, they are at risk for deterioration of the jaw bone. The teeth help to support this bone, so when they are missing, this can cause issues. Having dental implants inserted replaces the missing tooth, thereby providing the support that the jaw bone needs.
• They are built to last. Most of the times, dental implants are made from the metal titanium. This metal is very strong and durable, especially for its weight, and it has a film that helps protect it against acid, salt, and oxygen. When taken care of properly, dental implants may last for the rest of the patient's life.
• They help to prevent the face from changing shape. Because teeth help to support the face, the shape can change when several teeth are missing. The cheeks can begin to look sunken. Having dental implants in place, however, will prevent this from happening.

It is important to make sure to maintain proper oral health care with dental implants. If they are not properly taken care of, the teeth can become infected, which can be painful and also spread to other parts of the mouth. Dentists recommend that their patients brush twice a day, use mouthwash twice a day, and floss daily.