When one or more of your natural teeth cannot be preserved—or is lost already—the thought of having an open space in your smile can be stressful. Fortunately, dentists can fill the space using dental implants—a custom prosthetic designed to replace the entire tooth-and-root system. If you’re considering this treatment, here are a few good reasons why it may be the best way to restore your smile.

5 Reasons to Get Dental Implants

1. Permanent Restoration

Crowns, bridges, and porcelain veneers are all potential ways to restore damaged or missing teeth. However, these prosthetic options only last for a limited time and will eventually have to be replaced. In contrast, implants are surgically placed into the jaw where it eventually fuses with the bone to become permanently fixed. With proper care, the device could last a lifetime.

2. Supports Strong Chewing

While dental implants are made from artificial materials, they are designed to be just as strong as natural teeth. Therefore, you can rely on implants to chew and bite whatever foods you please—including apples, corn, and steak.

3. Natural Appearance

Dental implants are crafted by dentists and prosthetic labs to match the natural shape and color of your teeth. Once placed, the device will easily blend in with the rest of your smile and won’t likely be noticed by others.

4. Protects Surrounding Teeth

When you have a gap in your smile, the surrounding teeth will eventually shift and move into the open space. As your teeth reposition themselves, they may become crowded, misaligned, or impacted. Dental implants, however, retain this open space so that your natural teeth will remain in the proper position, keeping your smile comfortable and straight.

5. Easy Maintenance

Many tooth replacement options require additional oral hygiene steps. For example, dentures have to be removed and soaked regularly to stay clean. Veneers, on the other hand, may require you to chew with care. But when it comes to taking care of dental implants, you just have to brush and floss them as you would with all your natural teeth.

If you’re curious about the ways that dental implants could transform your smile—and your oral health—talk to Brian S. Kubo, DDS. Providing state-of-the-art dental care on Oahu for more than a decade, Dr. Kubo can determine if you’re a candidate for implants and guide you through the treatment process in the most comfortable way possible. This Kamuela, HI, dentist can also introduce you to many other cosmetic dentistry options to restore your smile—including teeth whitening, composite fillings, and porcelain veneers. To learn more about these advanced treatment options, visit the practice online. For appointments, call (808) 885-8465.