Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implants
Job 115 Top Implants 1 – Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way to restore lost or missing teeth. Patients considering dental implants should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of implants. There are several factors to consider including reliability, safety, and pricing. While certain implant types have been used for decades, new products, techniques, and recent developments could produce better results.
This article will examine the types of dental implants available today so that patients are better educated to choose which is right for them.
Basics of Dental Implants
One of the most popular tooth restoration options in the United States, dental implants have several advantages over traditional treatments, including:
* Look and function like natural teeth
* Improved speech
* Ability to eat foods without restriction
* Superior durability and longevity
* More comfortable
* Will not slip out of place
* Do not require adhesives
* Can replace a full set of top or bottom teeth
Titanium vs. Ceramic Dental Implants
Dental implants come in two types: titanium and ceramic. The two implant types may have similar appearances but in fact have many differences. While ceramic implants are a single piece, titanium implants are comprised of a titanium base and an additional upper prosthetic tooth that is secured once the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone structure.
The implants are also different in their cost, durability, and healing involved. While both dental implant types typically last for decades, ceramic and titanium implants could crack or wear down. How severe the damage is will determine the cost and process needed to repair the implant.
* Titanium Implants: The industry standard since the 1960s, titanium implants have been used for decades and have a virtually unblemished long-term success rate. Strong and resistant to cracking or fracturing, the two components of titanium implants are easier to correctly place than ceramic implants. The dentist will first place the implant base and once fused with the jaw, will secure the restorative tooth to create a natural-looking replacement.
* Ceramic Implants: A newer form of implant that has been used in the United States since 2009, and longer in several European countries, ceramic implants are preferable to many patients. While they have not been used as long as titanium implants, many dentists find ceramic implants to have satisfying long-term results. Ceramic implants are more prone to cracking and fractures but the process to repair is simple. Many patients may also find that ceramic implants offer a more natural-looking result as their structures to not have metal that might show through the gums.
Pricing
Because of their manufacturing cost and the procedure involved to place them being more in-depth, ceramic implants are more expensive than titanium implants. However, if cosmetic appearances are of upmost concern, the price difference associated with ceramic implants may be justified.
Which Type is Safer?
Ceramic and titanium implants are both FDA approved, have undergone extensive testing, and are considered safe. Because they have been used longer, the efficacy and any side effects are better understood with titanium implants but it should be noted that to date, no adverse or allergic reactions have been documented with ceramic implants.