When you have several missing teeth, you can choose to replace them with dental bridges, partial dentures or dental implants. Here are six reasons why dental implants are the best option for your lifestyle, oral health and appearance.

1. Dental Implants Are Permanent

If you are hoping for a "set and forget" option for replacing your missing teeth, then dental implants are the best option for you. Dentures need replacing or adjusting every so often, while dental bridges often require maintenance as the teeth supporting them wear down. Dental implants are securely fixed into the gum, requiring no regular maintenance other than normal dental checkups to ensure your gums are healthy.

2. Dental Implants Make Eating Fun Again

Eating can be a chore when you have dentures. They often slip out of place, making it difficult to chew tough or sticky foods. Many people with dentures avoid eating with others or stick to soft foods, to avoid embarrassing themselves. Dental implants provide the firm foundation you need to chew each mouthful of food thoroughly.

3. Dental Implants Help You to Speak Clearly

Speaking clearly when you are missing some teeth is surprisingly difficult. Dentures can help, but only if they fit perfectly and do not slip when you try to form certain sounds. Dental implants should help you to speak normally, making it easy for you to maintain strong relationships with your family and friends.

4. Dental Implants Are Quiet

If you have ever spent time around someone who has dentures, you might notice a clacking sound when they eat or speak. This sound comes from the dentures slipping as the wearer's mouth moves. Dental implants do not move and are therefore silent.

5. Dental Implants Protect Natural Teeth

If you have some natural teeth remaining, then dental implants are the best option for protecting them. Dental bridges use natural teeth as a support, which means that these teeth must be filed down to accommodate the prosthetic. Dentures do not harm natural teeth, nor do they provide the 24/7 pressure necessary to prevent teeth from migrating to incorrect positions. Dental implants keep your natural teeth in place and help them stay healthy.

6. Dental Implants Mimic Real Teeth

In conclusion, dental implants are the best option because they act, look and feel so similar to natural teeth. Firmly fixed in place, cleanable with an ordinary toothbrush and permanent, they are the closest thing to growing a new set of teeth to replace the ones you have lost.