Obviously, there’s a difference between real teeth and dental implants, right? After all, the very elements that compose each are different. While teeth are made up of enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum, dental implants are basically composed of either ceramic or a combination of titanium and bioactive ceramics. Today, despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans still suffer tooth loss and, for many, implants are becoming the treatment option of choice. But just how strong are dental implants when compared to real teeth? Let’s break down real teeth vs. dental implants and find out.
Real Teeth
Natural teeth have some strong parts but they also come with softer and weaker areas. The enamel is by far the hardest part of the tooth. It sits on top, protecting it from the outside world. It is your first line of defense against whatever you throw at it. As we go deeper into the tooth we find softer layers. Next comes the cementum, still a hardy material but softer than the enamel. This material coats the roots. Going deeper still, we find the dentine. This makes up most of the bulk of the tooth and while dentine is sturdy, it lacks the hardness and strength of the enamel. Dentine is also porous because nutrients must travel through it and though it is considered a hard material, it cannot hold a candle to the enamel or cementum. Finally we arrive at the pulp and, as the name implies, it is rather soft.
Just How Strong are Dental Implants?
As mentioned earlier, dental implants are made of titanium and bioceramics. To give you some context, titanium is significantly stronger than most steals and is commonly used in aerospace vessels. Titanium is also corrosion resistant and has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. Ceramic is one of the hardest materials known to man; it is usually pressed into the desired shape and then baked at high temperatures to achieve its hardness. Combine these two and you have a powerful duo.
How Well Do Implants Work?
In a nutshell, implants function just like real teeth. Beyond the advantage of improved appearance, they also provide benefits such as improved speech and comfort as compared to alternative replacement options. Dental implants will typically last several decades allowing you to enjoy your favorites foods once again with confidence and without pain. Additionally, because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact which improves long-term oral health. Implants are much more comfortable than other types of replacements such as bridges and dentures because they become a part of you. And while success rates of dental implant surgery vary, in general, implants have a success rate of up to 98% and with proper care can last a lifetime.
And the Verdict Is...
Real teeth have a robust outer layer but most of the tooth’s mass is substantially softer. Think of it like a walnut, where once you get through the hard shell the rest is anything but. In short, breaking a tooth might take some doing but is entirely possible. Implants, on the other hand, are all around strong and solid, meaning it would be nearly impossible to actually break one in half due to its tough interior. If one is comparing real teeth vs. dental implants based on strength alone, then implants would have to be declared the winner.
Curious About Which Type of Implant Is Right for You?
At Florida Dental Solutions in Hollywood, Dr. Jason Wilner specializes in providing comprehensive, high-quality dental work at affordable prices. Give us a call at (954)362-4102 to schedule a visit, and we will gladly answer any questions and guide you in the direction that is right for you.
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