Since the 1960s, titanium has become a popular reconstruction, and implant material in dentistry and nowadays, titanium teeth implants are more popular than ever. In fact, the global dental implants market was projected to reach $4.8 billion in 2021 and is forecast to reach an estimated $6.8 billion in 2027.
Titanium has been the material of choice for three significant reasons
- its mechanical properties
- biocompatibility
- resistance to erosion
While other dental implant biomaterials have been introduced over the years, titanium dental implants have stood the test of time and aren’t going anywhere soon.
If you’re considering a titanium implant (and we think you should) to replace a missing or badly damaged tooth, here are eight compelling reasons to do so.
Titanium teeth implants – 8 worthy reasons to choose them
- Durability – Dental implants need to be strong and robust; after all, they will be used frequently throughout every day. But, in addition to strength, implants also need to be lightweight, so they don’t weigh down the jaw. Titanium fits the bill perfectly as it’s similar in strength to steel but 45% lighter. Did you know titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of all known metals?
- Longevity – A titanium implant can last a long time. In 1965 Per-Ingvar Brånemark inserted implants into the mouth of a Swedish oral invalid, and forty years later, after the patient’s passing, they were still going strong.
- Biocompatibility – While some people are reluctant to have metal in their mouths for an extended period, a titanium implant is biocompatible. This means that it is anti-allergenic and rarely rejected by the body. While titanium teeth implants can be rejected on rare occasions, it’s more likely that a patient is allergic to nickel atoms in the titanium lattice.
- Osseointegration – Titanium is one of the few materials that promotes osseointegration.
This process is when the jawbone surrounding dental implants fuses with the titanium post to become one. It’s a vital part of the dental implant procedure and anchors the implant permanently into the jaw bone, enabling it to act as a replacement tooth root.
Osseointegration stabilises the implant post, giving it the strength to support a prosthetic tooth or dental crown. By acting as a tooth root, the implant stimulates the bone preventing the bone loss that naturally occurs when teeth are lost and preserving the jaw and facial structures.
- Anti-corrosion – Titanium has anti-corrosive properties, which is vital for dental implants. Titanium is an oxygen-getter, meaning it forms protective layers of oxide on its surface, helping to protect dental implants from a wide range of aggressive substances that could cause them damage.
- Flexibility – Titanium mirrors human bone’s flexibility and elasticity, which means that a titanium implant can share the stress applied to it with the surrounding bone tissue. This helps keep the bone strong and healthy reducing the potential for implant failure.
- Paramagnetic – Pure titanium and its alloys are paramagnetic materials, meaning they are unaffected by the magnetic field of MRI. Consequently, the risk of implant-based complications is very low, meaning patients can safely undertake MRI scans. You’ll also be pleased to know that your titanium implant is unlikely to trigger a metal detector!
- No proven alternatives – Zirconia is a promising alternative material for dental implants. It is ideal for those patients who have a metal allergy or dislike the thought of metal in their mouths. Zirconia is strong, fuses well with bone and is aesthetically pleasing. However, it is a relative newcomer and hasn’t been in use in dentistry for long enough to assess its long term success. What’s more, zirconia implants have tended to be a one-piece style which has certain placement limitations for dentists, although more two-piece styles are being developed.
Titanium teeth implants – Are there any drawbacks?
The main drawback that puts people off dental implants is the cost. However, the cost is relevant when you consider the high-quality materials in dental implants, including titanium and porcelain (for the dental crown) alongside the costs of surgery and the skill of the dentists or surgeons placing them.
So how much do titanium dental implants cost?
According to the National Dental Fee Survey of 2020, a dental implant in Australia costs between $3000 and $5500 per tooth.
A very small percentage of people have a titanium allergy, but hey, no material is biocompatible and non-allergenic for absolutely everyone. But, titanium does a better job than most of the others.
Are you ready for titanium teeth implants?
If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, you’ve come to the right place. The experienced dentists at Beyond Dental Care use top name brand Neoss dental implants, which provide a simple, attractive method for replacing damaged or missing teeth. We have chosen Neoss implants because their implant systems put the patient first and are designed with their health and well-being in mind.
We’re also committed to helping patients achieve and maintain a beautiful smile and are happy to discuss the best options for your situation.
Why not schedule a free dental implant consultation to find out more about titanium teeth implants and whether they’re a suitable procedure for you. Book with Beyond Dental Care today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
NCBI – Titanium as a Reconstruction and Implant Material in Dentistry:
iData – Dental implants market size
NCBI – Implant biomaterials – A comprehensive review
Dorsetware Limited – Steel vs titanium
Nobel Biocare – Two men make history together
Indian Journal of Dental Research – An overview of the corrosion aspect of dental implants (titanium and its alloys)
NCBI – Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations?
Smile.com – How much does a dental implant cost?
