There is no “best” option when it comes to dental implants. Each person is different and should discuss all the pros and cons with a highly qualified dental implant specialist and investigate all restoration options so that you can make the “best” decision for yourself. People who have lost teeth often are too self-conscious to smile or talk confidently. They can develop poor eating habits when food is difficult to chew which often leads to secondary health problems. Dental implants provide individuals with a complete restoration option for missing teeth.
What are some common reasons for implants?
Implants can replace single missing teeth, can replace multiple teeth by support fixed bridgework, or can support a loose denture by providing a stable attachment.
- Implants can replace single teeth that have been lost due to injury, gum disease, or severe tooth decay. The implants act as a base on which your restorative dentist places a lab-designed crown that looks just like your own teeth. Because implants fuse to jawbone like natural tooth roots, they look and feel like natural teeth. They can be cleaned similarly to natural teeth with brushing and flossing.
- Multiple missing teeth can also be replaced with implants by using them to fabricate bridgework, which is a prosthetic that is a group of fused crowns that are secured to the implants. Implant-supported bridges can replace as few as two teeth or an entire arch, which means you can finally eliminate removable partials and dentures.
- For patients who have dentures that do not fit properly and are loose or uncomfortable when chewing or speaking, implants can help to stabilize them as well. Implant-supported over-dentures are made in coordination with implants to secure together similarly to a ball and socket. Although dentures are removable, they ‘click in’ to the implants when worn so that your denture stays in place and allows for better chewing. Having stable dentures also allows you to speak and laugh without worry.
Your implant surgeon can help you understand and plan which type of implant procedure is best for you.
All-on-4 implants have become a popular replacement option, are they a good choice for you?
Although all-on-4 implants are growingly popular, a few other options for full-mouth restoration such as implant-supported bridgework, removable implant denture, and the traditional full denture are also available. Because the All-on-4 implant device is just one of several options for tooth replacement and full-mouth smile restoration, it is important to know if they are a good choice for you based on your own needs and current oral health. You should discuss all the pros and cons with a highly qualified dental implant specialist and investigate all restoration options so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
Different Types of Dental Implants
Typically implants are made out of titanium but with technology advancing more and more dental implants are being made from different materials.
Titanium vs. Zirconia
Titanium dental implants have been the most sought-after implants. They provide long-lasting results at a reasonable price. Zirconia has only recently been discovered for use in dental implants. Zirconia gained popularity in the early 1990s, but titanium still reigned supreme as the go-to material for dental implants.
Similarities and Differences:
Both titanium and zirconia offer patients a strong and reliable tooth replacement choice. The main differences between the two materials are their appearance, the way they are placed in the implant procedure and the number of years each has been used in implants.
Zirconia implants tend to appear white in color, while titanium ones are silver or metal-colored. In addition to visual distinctions, the way that the zirconia dental implants are placed varies from titanium ones.
