It is commonly believed that bones are the hardest structures in the human body. However, that is not technically true. It is actually tooth enamel that has that honor. It is very durable and can stand up to the stresses of chewing a limitless variety of foods. As strong as it is, though, it is far from invincible. In fact, it may become so badly damaged that you need to have your natural teeth removed. If that happens to you, your dental team may encourage you to get dental implants. How do implants compare with natural teeth? Are they weaker or stronger? This blog post explains some interesting information.
Dental Implants Provide a Firm Bite
In order to consume a healthy and balanced diet, you should be able to confidently bite into an apple or chew on a piece of meat. Dental implants can equip you to do that because in many cases, they provide a bite force that is 80% – 90% of what is normal with natural teeth.
Of course, dental implants’ potential to provide a strong bite depends partially on your jawbone. Since implants bond with the surrounding tissue, they can only be as strong as the bone that supports them.
Dental Implants Do Not Decay
One unquestionable advantage that implants have over natural teeth is that they cannot develop decay, so you will never need to worry about cavities.
Of course, that is not an excuse to minimize the importance of oral hygiene. Plaque and bacteria can still irritate the tissue around dental implants and possibly cause a serious infection that contributes to dental implant failure.
Dental Implants Are Made of Strong Materials
Usually, dental implants are made of a titanium alloy, which works well with the human body and is very resistant to damage. It is quite rare for titanium dental implants to break or crack.
The restorations that get attached to dental implants (crowns, bridges, and dentures), also boast impressive durability. They are often constructed of porcelain, which is harder than natural tooth enamel.
So… Are Dental Implants Better than Natural Teeth?
Even though dental implants are stronger than natural teeth in a few ways, that does not make them superior. Any responsible dentist will do their best to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, if you do end up losing some teeth, dental implants are an excellent alternative!
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center is proud to feature three board-certified oral surgeons, all of whom pay meticulous attention to detail when they are performing dental implant procedures. If you are curious about your tooth replacement options or believe that you need to have some of your natural teeth removed, our team is ready to answer your questions. Get in touch with our Houston office at 713-597-7340.