Titanium vs. Ceramic Dental Implant
Each type of dental implants has its own pros and cons, and it’s helpful to weigh these pros and cons when deciding what type of dental implant may be right for you. Factors to consider include cost, safety, and reliability. Some types of implants have been in use for longer than others, though, so long-term reliability can be a difficult factor to determine in some cases. The two main types of dental implants are those made of titanium, and those made of ceramic. Titanium implants have a long history of success, though they can cause problems in patients with allergies to certain metals, and some patients simply don’t want to have metal surgically implanted into their bodies. Ceramic implants have not been in use as long, but results have been successful thus far.
Dental implants are a popular option for patients who need to replace one or more lost teeth. Implants function just like natural teeth, and they can be crafted to perfectly match the natural teeth, too. They allow patients to enjoy a full range of foods, and they don’t interfere with speech. They are durable and designed to be a long-term replacement solution that requires no messy adhesives but stays in place comfortably, and they can be used to replace multiple teeth on both the top and bottom rows.
While titanium and ceramic implants appear similar once they are placed, there are differences between them. Titanium implants, which have been successfully used since the 1960s, are composed of separate components, including a titanium implant fixture and a separate tooth restoration that is added to the implant fixture once the fixture has healed. This helps facilitate their correct placement, as the placement of the tooth itself can be adjusted independently from the implant. Titanium implants are durable and can resist cracking and fracturing. While ceramic implants are more prone to fracture or cracking, they are easy to repair. When patients have an allergy to metals, ceramic implants may be the only option. However, ceramic implants have only been used in the US since the early 2000s, so their long-term success rates cannot be determined. Some people perceive that ceramic implants are more natural-looking than titanium implants, as there is no possibility of metal showing through the gums, though the risk of this occurring with titanium implants is small. Ceramic implants are also more expensive than titanium implants, as the procedure to place them is more time-consuming, and they are more expensive to manufacture. Both types of implants have undergone extensive safety testing and are approved by the FDA, and both types require similar healing time.
The choice between titanium and ceramic implants is one that is largely based on personal preference and the clinical needs of the patient. People with thinner or more delicate gum tissue may prefer ceramic implants, as there is no risk of metal showing through the gums, and people who are concerned about metal allergies may also find ceramic implants preferable. While titanium implants are tried and true, ceramic has proven to be a worthy alternative that has helped many satisfied patients smile confidently once again, and one of these types of dental implants may be similarly beneficial for you.