Each type of dental implant has its own pros and cons. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, it’s important to consider the multiple factors that are involved in the decision to get dental implants, including the material that is used to make your implants. The field of implant dentistry is a rapidly growing field, which has led to many technical innovations, the introduction of new products and materials, and the development of new procedures. Titanium dental implants have a long history of success and customer satisfaction, but they may not be appropriate for everyone.
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for tooth restoration; they offer many benefits that are not expected with removable traditional dentures. Dental implants look and perform most like natural teeth, allowing their wearer to speak unimpeded and to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Dental implants are durable and comfortable and can be crafted to match the wearer’s natural teeth. They can be used to replace one or more top teeth or bottom teeth and are considered a long-lasting, if not permanent, tooth restoration option. The two most commonly used types of implants are titanium implants, and ceramic implants. Although the end result may appear the same, there are variations between the two types of implants. Titanium implants are made of a titanium implant fixture that is placed in the jaw; once it is placed and the bone has healed around it, a tooth restoration is added to the top of the titanium implant. Ceramic implants are all one piece and are placed as such. This is not the only difference between the two types of dental implants.
Titanium implants were first developed in the 1960s and have been consistently improved upon since their introduction. Titanium implants are strong, resisting fractures and cracks, and have consistently provided their wearers with long-term satisfaction. Because they are made of more than one piece, they are easier to place accurately; the implant fixture is placed, and then, modifications to the abutment and crown can be made before they are affixed to the fixture, allowing for precision and flexibility in placement.
Ceramic implants are newer than titanium and may be preferable to titanium, especially when patients have allergies or sensitivities to metals. Ceramic implants have only been in use in the US since the start of the 21st century, though they were used in Europe before this; for this reason, there is not enough data to support their long-term success rates, though results have been satisfactory thus far. While ceramic implants may be more prone to small cracks or fractures, they are generally easy to repair and can be reconstructed as a natural tooth would be. Because there is no metal present in most ceramic implants, many wearers believe that they are more natural-looking than implants that are placed on titanium fixtures and abutments.
Ceramic implants cost more than titanium implants, both because of their manufacturing cause and because the procedure to place ceramic implants is more complex and time-consuming. Both titanium and ceramic implants have been thoroughly tested and approved by the FDA. Possible side effects of titanium implants are more well-known than any adverse effects of ceramic implants, largely because titanium implants have been in use for far longer. Ceramic implants have not been associated with any sensitivities or allergies, however, largely due to the absence of metal in their construction and to the commonness of metal allergies and sensitivities. Both titanium and ceramic implants can be repaired and both are considered long-lasting options, though the lifespan of ceramic implants is not yet fully known. Because both types of implants require a surgical procedure, both require time for healing, and there is no significant difference in healing time between the two types. For most dental implant wearers, the decision between titanium implants and ceramic implants comes down to personal choice and should be discussed with your dentist.