Many people believe that bones are the hardest structures in the human body. However, it is actually tooth enamel that claims that title. It is extremely durable and designed to stand up to many decades of eating a wide variety of foods. Sadly, though, it isn’t invincible. In some cases, the teeth become so badly damaged that they must be removed. If that happens to you, your dentist may recommend that you receive dental implants. How do these restorations compare with natural teeth? Are they stronger or weaker? This blog post offers some fascinating information.
Dental Implants Provide a Firm Bite
In order to enjoy your favorite foods, you should be able to confidently bite into an apple or dig into a juicy steak. Dental implants can allow you to do that because they can provide a bite force that is 80 – 90% of what you enjoyed with your natural teeth.
Of course, their potential to provide a strong bite depends on your jawbone. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Once they bond with your bone, they should serve you well as long as that bond remains firm.
Dental Implants Do Not Decay
One clear advantage that dental implants have over natural teeth is that they are invulnerable to decay, so you will never have to worry about cavities.
Of course, that is no reason to neglect oral hygiene. Plaque and bacteria can still irritate your gums, lead to bad breath, and possibly cause dangerous infections that could compromise the long-term success of your implants.
Dental Implants Are Made of Strong Materials
Most dental implants are made out of a titanium alloy. Not only does the alloy work well within the human body, but it is also extremely resistant to damage. It is very rare for dental implants to crack or break.
The lifelike restorations (crowns, bridges, and dentures) on top of implants are also impressively durable. They are usually constructed of porcelain, which is even harder than natural tooth enamel.
So… Are Dental Implants Better than Natural Teeth?
Although dental implants are stronger than natural teeth in some ways, that does not mean they are “better.” A responsible dentist will always make efforts to help patients retain their natural dentition for as long as possible. However, if you ever do need to replace lost teeth, you can be confident that your new smile will be sturdy, functional, and beautiful.
Meet the Practice
Skyline Dental Cosmetic & General Dentistry operates under the leadership of Dr. Aliana Henkin. She is an experienced practitioner with a passion for providing top-quality care. She is proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant treatment for patients with missing teeth. To find out more about how she and our team may be able to help you rebuild a complete smile, contact our Springfield, NJ, office at 973-949-0925.