11 Biggest Benefits of Dental Implants

Interested in a better smile? While orthodontics or tooth whitening can help enhance the appearance of the teeth you already have, dental implants are a way to improve smiles that have missing or damaged teeth due to injury, illness or decay.

Dental implants replace a missing or damaged tooth with a three-part device that is surgically implanted into the jaw, securing a permanent artificial tooth in place.¹ While dental bridges and dentures also fill in missing teeth, here are 11 benefits of dental implants.

1. Aesthetic Improvements

Say cheese! It's no surprise that one of the biggest benefits of dental implants is reviving your smile. Since dental implants are custom-made to match the color, shape and size of your existing teeth, they can seamlessly restore — or create — an aesthetically pleasing smile.²

2. Prevent Bone Loss

Dental implants can help prevent oral bone loss, too. When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone starts to deteriorate over time. Dental implants work to stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and helping maintain the structure of the face.³

3. Improved Chewing

Unlike dentures, which can slip or move when you eat, dental implants act like real teeth and can help restore full chewing function, allowing you to eat a wide range of foods without the discomfort or restrictions that can come with dentures.²

4. Stabilized Surrounding Teeth

Dental implants also provide support for the surrounding teeth. Without an implant, remaining teeth will tend to collapse inward toward the gap, leading to bite and aesthetic issues. Using dental implants helps to maintain the integrity of your remaining natural teeth.⁵

5. Convenient Use

Since dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth, they eliminate the need for adhesives to secure them in place or the need for removal at night, as is the case with dentures. There is also no risk of dental implants accidentally popping out of your mouth at inopportune moments, creating embarrassment.²

6. Improved Speech

Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can negatively affect the clarity of your speech. Since dental implants are customized to your jaw and permanently attached, they can allow for more natural speech patterns, helping you communicate more clearly and effectively.²

7. Maintained Bite Force

The quality and strength of your bite is based on the match between your upper and lower teeth. Missing teeth can disrupt your bite, leading to jaw pain and issues with chewing. Since dental implants are permanently secured, individuals with dental implants can bite with more force and confidence than those with dentures.³

8. Better Comfort

Dental implants may be a more comfortable solution than other dental alternatives. Since dental implants are permanently attached to the jaw, they can provide improved oral comfort compared to dentures, which can slip and move in the mouth.²

9. Customized Treatment

Dental implants can be tailored to meet your specific needs. In addition to whether you need to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or even support a full arch of teeth, dental implants can be customized to match the color, shape and size of your remaining teeth.²

10. Easier Oral Care

Dental implants can help promote better oral hygiene. Since the dental implant creates individual, artificial tooth replacements, each one can be cleaned and cared for just like a regular tooth with brushing and flossing.²

11. Long-Lasting Solution

Dental implants can be more expensive than other dental alternatives.⁴ But they have a success rate of up to 98%, and can even last a lifetime with proper care.² Dental bridges and dentures, on the other hand, may need replacement or adjustments over time.⁵

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

It's important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. The success of the procedure depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, oral hygiene and the skill of the dental professional performing the procedure. Be sure to check with a dental professional to determine if dental implants, dental bridges or dentures are the best option for you.

Financing Dental Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental implants or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.