Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implant
Increasingly, dental implants are the go-to technology for tooth replacement. As compared to the conventional dentures that our parents and grandparents wore, dental implants are longer lasting, better functioning, more comfortable, and offer a more natural appearance, as well. They are also much more stable and reliable due to their structure and design.
In contrast to conventional dentures, which rely on gravity and dental adhesives to keep them in place, dental implants are anchored firmly in place by the dental implant fixtures, which actually fuse with the jawbone, thereby mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. This not only lends them their strength but also allows them to be streamlined, natural looking, and highly functional.
As this technology continues to evolve, more and more choices are possible. This includes not only the size of the implants and their removability or permanence in the mouth, but also the materials used in the creation of the implants. The two materials most commonly used are titanium and ceramic. Both solid and dependable options, there are some features that set them apart. Those differences are explained below.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium is what was used in the first dental implants and has long been a popular option. This material was initially chosen – and continues to be utilized – due to its high degree of biocompatibility. While some do experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to titanium, those cases are very few.
In contrast to ceramic dental implants, titanium dental implants are composed to two to three pieces and are installed as such; first the implant fixture is embedded into the jawbone below the gumline, and once that has healed, the abutment and prosthetic can then be attached.
In addition to being functional and attractive, titanium implants are also more cost-effective. They have a proven lifespan of around twenty years and should one of the prosthetic teeth become cracked or damaged in some way, your dentist will be able to repair that piece alone.
Ceramic Dental Implants
Ceramic dental implants are made of a single piece that contain all the parts that come together in the three-piece titanium dental implant. As such, ceramic dental implants are installed in one procedure. While this requires less visits to the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it also means that accuracy is extremely important, as there are no single pieces that can be adjusted once the implant is in place and allowed to heal.
Ceramic implants are thought to be more natural looking because they contain no metal. However, they may also be more prone to cracks and fractures, which then must be repaired just as natural teeth are, as one cannot remove part of a ceramic dental implant to repair. Because this is a newer dental technology than the titanium implants that came before them, it is unknown precisely how long ceramic implants last over time.
Choosing Between Titanium and Ceramic Implants
The choice between titanium and ceramic implants is one that should be made in close consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. If you have an allergy to titanium, ceramic will be the obvious choice. Otherwise, you should ask questions and discuss your options thoroughly with a dentist you trust. Dental implants are designed to last; you’ll want to think carefully about which options will work the best for you.