Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implant
If you are considering getting dental implants, it is important to know your options. With each kind of implant treatment, there are advantages, as well as disadvantages, and certain things to consider, like safety, function, and cost. Some types of implants have been available for decades, but there are also new dental technologies yielding highly impressive options and results.
Some Dental Implant Basics
Improvements to appearance, functionality, and speech are all benefits of dental implants, which in recent years have become quite popular due to their successful implantation and results. Generally, dental implants are known to be more comfortable than traditional style dentures. Because dental implants are fixed, this keep them from moving or slipping which allows people to eat a lot of the foods they like best. Dental implants are also considered to look very natural, and can be perfectly matched to any existing teeth. But, full dental implant sets are an option now, as well, which means that all teeth can be released (as a top and bottom set) if there is need for that.
Titanium and Ceramic Implants
Currently, there are both titanium and ceramic implants available. Similar in appearance, they actually have some significant differences.
Titanium:
- Conventional: Titanium dental implants have been in used since for many years - since the 1960’s - and they still prove to have quality, long-lasting results.
- Consist of two pieces: Titanium implants are actually made from two pieces and this makes them fairly easy to place properly, which helps support a natural appearance.
- Crack and fracture Resistant: Titanium dental implants are generally considered to be quite sturdy.
Ceramic:
- Newer kind of implant: A lot of people seem to have a preference for the ceramic implants.
- No metal used in construction: For people with allergies to titanium (and any other metals) ceramic implants are clearly the best option.
- More likely to crack and/or fracture: Ceramic implants are more likely to crack and fracture than titanium implants, however repairing them is considered easy.
- Natural looking: Because ceramic implants do not have any grey metals that might show near the gum-line, a lot of people consider the look of ceramic implants to be more natural. Because of their very natural appearance, ceramic implants are definitely an ideal option for anyone who might need a full set.
- Consist of a single piece: Ceramic implants are constructed with a single piece, so it can require some real finesse to position them properly.
Summary
While there are some basic differences between titanium and ceramic implants, both kinds of implants can actually crack and wear over time, though generally titanium is considered to be the more durable of the two. But either kind of implant will usually last a long times (i.e. decades) without any significant issues.
When considering pricing, ceramic implants generally cost more than titanium implants. However, if the best cosmetic result is what you’re looking for, then the ceramic implants are likely still the best choice.
Both titanium and ceramic implants are FDA-approved, and so both types are considered to be safe. Titanium implants have a longer history of use in dentistry, so the way they function is well understood.
When considering any metal allergy issues, there have not been any documented cases of an allergic reaction to ceramic implants –so, for anybody with any concern about metal allergies, ceramics are an ideal option.
Healing times for titanium and ceramic implant treatments are similar. Pain can be expected for the week just after treatment, and then full integration and complete healing usually takes anywhere from three to six months.
Consult with a trusted oral health professional to make a fully informed decision about which type of implant is right for you.