Part of being an adult means having a harder and harder time coming up with a wish list for your birthday. You don’t play with the same toys you did when you were three, and at some point, you started to prefer purchasing your own household equipment. But handing over a wad of cash (or a Venmo transfer of credit) isn’t much fun for the giver. How can you satisfy both parties for this birthday tradition?

Consider asking for a teeth whitening treatment! If you want brighter pearly whites, your birthday present is a great opportunity. Here’s why.

Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth because they look and feel like the real thing and prevent bone loss in the jaw. The first step toward getting implants is having a consultation with your dentist so they can evaluate your mouth and determine if you are a good candidate. While some people may not be ready for them just yet, they may be able to become excellent implant candidates after receiving certain preliminary treatments. Here are a few procedures your dentist may recommend to prepare you for dental implants.