If you’ve recently typed “how to whiten my teeth” into your favorite internet search bar, you may have discovered some strange results. For instance, pictures of people smiling while smearing a dark colored substance all over their teeth. Lately, using activated charcoal as a teeth whitening treatment has become very popular on social media. But does using this black mineral to brighten your smile really work?

Do you have trouble speaking clearly, eating comfortably, or smiling confidently because of one or more missing teeth?  Even if you aren’t experiencing these symptoms yet, it’s important to fill that gap in your smile before your teeth begin to shift, your bite becomes misaligned, and your jawbone deteriorates. While there are a variety of tooth replacement options available today, one clearly stands above the rest: dental implants. Read on as your local implant dentist explains the key differences that set this restoration apart from other tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures.