There have been several advances in the area of cosmetic dentistry in recent years. With these advances, more options have risen for those who have several missing teeth or teeth that will soon be removed. From tooth bonding and dentures to veneers and dental implants, patients have a variety of choices. This article discusses the latter of these options: dental implants. These are artificial teeth that are implanted into the jaw bone to replace teeth that have become diseased or are missing due to injury or any other reason. This article lists several advantages to having dental implants surgically placed in the jaw bone.

• They help improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. Having several teeth missing from the smile can cause the smile to not look as good. Dental implants are made to look just like real teeth, so it is difficult to tell which teeth are real and which teeth are not. Getting dental implants put into place may not only improve the appearance of the smile, but this can also help to improve the patient's self-esteem.
• Dental implants help to improve speech. Patients who have several teeth missing may have a hard time with their speech patterns. Dentures can slip and still cause wearers to have a hard time with their speech. Because dental implants replace teeth, getting them implanted into the jaw bone can help to improve speech patterns. 
• Dental implants are permanent and built to last. The design of the dental implants is built to be more permanent than other forms of teeth replacement. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for the remainder of the patient's life. 
• Eating may be easier. For those who have several teeth that are missing, eating can be difficult. Because dental implants function like real teeth, they can help to improve the ease of eating.
• They can help to protect the jaw bone. Teeth help to support the jaw bone. If several teeth are missing from the mouth, the jaw bone can begin to deteriorate. Because dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone, they are meant to fuse with the jaw bone. Having dental plants surgically placed into the jaw bone can help prevent this deterioration from happening.
• Dental implants can help to prevent the shaving down of teeth. With tooth bonding and veneers, the dentist may have to shave away small portions of the tooth enamel. However, dental implants are made to fit into the gaps between existing teeth and help to protect the natural tooth tissue.

For more information about dental implants, contact a a local dental clinic.