Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implant
When considering dental implant treatments, it is helpful to really understand the options. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages with each type of implant treatment, and there are various aspects to consider, such as safety, functionality, and associated costs. Certain types of implant treatments have been used for decades, but there are also recent developments and new dental technology yielding impressive results.
Dental Implants: The Basics
Dental implant treatments have become both popular and successful, and have many benefits, such as improved speech, improved functionality, and improved appearance. Dental implants are considered more comfortable than traditional dentures, and with no slipping or movement, people are often able to eat most of the foods they enjoy. They also look incredibly natural and can perfectly match your natural teeth. Full sets of dental implants are now an option, too meaning you can replace all of your teeth, both the top set and the bottom set, if necessary.
Titanium vs Ceramic Dental Implants
There are currently two types of implants that are widely available: titanium and ceramic implants. Though they look similar, there are actually some significant differences between the two.
Titanium Implants Basics:
- Tried and true: Titanium implants have been used since the 1960’s and continue to show successful, long-lasting results.
- Made of two pieces: Because of the two pieces titanium implants are considered easy to place correctly, which helps offer a very natural look.
- Resistant to cracks and fratures
Ceramic Implant Basics:
- A newer form of implant: Many people express a preference for ceramic implants
- No metals: Some people have allergic reaction to titanium and other metals so cannot use titanium implants
- More sensitive to cracks and fractures: Though they can crack and fracture more easily than titanium, they are also easy to repair.
- Very natural looking results: Since these implants have no grey metals that can show along the gumline, some people feel they look more natural. If a full set replacement is needed, ceramics can be an ideal option for very natural looking implants.
- Made of a single piece: Since ceramic implants are a single piece it takes more finesse to place them correctly.
Overview
There are some differences between the two options, but both titanium and ceramic implants can become worn or cracked, although titanium is considered more durable. Both options will often last decades without issues.
For pricing differences, ceramic implants tend to be more costly than titanium implants. If the best cosmetic results is your goal then ceramic implants may be the best choice even considering the difference in price.
Luckily, both types of implants are FDA-approved and considered safe. Titanium implants have been used in dentistry for a longer period of time, so these implants are understood more completely. Meanwhile, there have been no documented cases of allergic reaction to any materials in ceramic implants –so ceramic implants are a serious consideration for anyone with concerns about metal allergies.
Both types of implant treatments seem to have similar healing times. Some pain is expected during the first week after treatment, and then 3-6 months is a projected time for full integration and healing.
To make an informed decision about which kind of dental implants are right for you, consult with a trusted dentist.