Dental implants can be a permanent solution to missing teeth, but how long do dental implants last? It’s a valid question, and one that deserves an in-depth answer. To answer that question, we need to understand what dental implants are made of, the factors that impact their durability, and what someone can do to improve their dental implant’s longevity.
Dental Implants Are Designed to Last a Lifetime
As the standard procedure for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are designed to be a permanent replacement that can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures or partial dentures, they are not meant to be removed. Just like natural teeth, dental implants must be taken care of properly to maintain and improve their longevity. So how long do dental implants last? The second part of this answer is what the dental implants are made of.
Ready for a permanent solution to your missing teeth? See if you may be a candidate for dental implants with this 60-second quiz.
What are Dental Implants Made Of?
The material of a dental implant is a big factor in answering “how long do dental implants last” as it has an impact on how strong the implant is. There are three common materials used to create a dental implant: PMMA, ceramic, and zirconia.
Titanium Implants
The implant itself is made out of grade five medical titanium. This titanium does not corrode, does not conduct electricity, and is very bio-compatible. It is the same material used in knee and hip replacements. This titanium also makes up the portion of the implant that attaches to the fake teeth, or prosthetic.
PMMA
PMMA is an acrylic copolymer. At Nuvia, however, we engineer our implants with a grade five medical titanium bar - the same type of metal used in the implants.
Ceramic
Ceramic isn’t always named properly, because it includes any material that is an inorganic non-metal or copolymer. Because of this, its strength can range depending on the components. The most common type of ceramic, and best quality, is zirconia.
Zirconia
Zirconia, also known as the white metal, is actually a type of ceramic. It is a rock mined and processed with other materials to create a durable and naturally white ceramic material. It doesn’t have wear and tear, and is a very strong and durable material. Most crowns or bridges are made out of either zirconia or white ceramic. At Nuvia, this is the material we use to make the fake teeth attached to the dental implants.
How Long Do the Fake Teeth Last?
The fake teeth attached to the dental implant, also known as the prosthetic, is exposed to a lot of wear and tear. It is common for many traditional dental implant providers to give their patients fake teeth made from acrylic plastics due to its natural look. However, this can cause a lot of issues as these teeth can easily be chipped, cracked, or snapped.
Fake teeth made from Zirconia are significantly stronger than acrylic fake teeth. Not only are zirconia teeth extremely strong and durable, but they retain their color and fresh look despite exposure to staining liquids.
At Nuvia, rest assured that you’re getting high quality teeth that are designed to last your lifetime. With titanium dental implants and permanent zirconia teeth, you’ll be on your way to living your best life with a brand new smile in 24 hours.
See if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours with this 60-second quiz.
Everyone has a slightly different bite due to the individual jaw-bone structure, and your doctor will be able to tell you which material would be best for you and your individual circumstances.
At Nuvia, digital mapping technology is used to mill a custom set of teeth for your implants. When you have surgery, the implants are placed, your mouth is mapped, and newly placed implants with an advanced scanner, and custom mill your Zirconia teeth overnight. That way, you can have a perfect fitting set of permanent teeth in just 24-hours. Each set of fake teeth is individually made for specific patients.
Other implant centers that do, "Teeth-in-a-day" place you in a temporary denture made out of acrylic (a type of plastic, think acrylic nails) for up to ten months, and then use “wax try-ins” to manually align a permanent prosthetic to your implants. If the prosthetic does not match the implants well, this can cause a misaligned bite. Misaligned bites might cause headaches, dizziness, and even back pain! (Google “misaligned jaw” for more info).
For more information on Teeth in a Day vs Permanent teeth in 24 hours, visit this article
What Can I Do to Make My Dental Implants Last Longer?
Your oral surgeon and restorative team will create a treatment plan customized to your mouth to add to the success of your dental implants. However, there are also good practices you can do to take care of your dental implants and help them last for the lifetime they’re designed for.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining the health of your dental implants. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential practices. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around implants and avoid damaging the surrounding tissues. This routine helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease and dental implant failure.
Additionally, consider using an interdental brush or water flosser to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas around your implants.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental check-ups every six months play a critical role in the longevity of your dental implants and can change the answer to “how long do dental implants last” depending on whether or not you go to your visits. During these visits, your dentist can monitor the health of your implants and gums, addressing any early signs of issues such as inflammation or bone loss. Professional cleanings are also essential as they help remove any tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss, further protecting your gums and the foundation of your implants.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is very bad for dental implant health. It reduces blood flow to the gums, which can hinder the healing process and disrupt the process of the dental implant fusing to your jawbone. If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best steps you can take to protect the longevity of your dental implants. Smoking may also disqualify you from getting dental implants and enjoying a better quality of life.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Overall health impacts the durability of your dental implants. Bone health, in particular, is essential as it ensures your jawbone can support your implants. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D, to promote bone health. Regular exercise and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to better overall health and, consequently, better oral health. Discuss any supplements with your doctor to ensure they are safe and beneficial for your specific health needs.
Other Factors That Impact How Long Dental Implants Last
The type of dental implant and the specific procedures used can significantly affect their longevity. Here’s an overview of different implant types and factors that can influence their success:
Are all Dental Implants the same?
When it comes to dental implants, it’s not always one size fits all. It usually depends on how many teeth you are missing, if there is infection or decay, and the density of your jawbone. Usually, you are a candidate for either single implants, bridges, or a full arch (meaning a full upper or lower set of teeth). No matter what type of implant you get, they each have three main parts: the implant, prosthetic, and abutment (pictured below).
The implant is a titanium screw that takes the place of a tooth’s root, and is surgically inserted in your jaw. The prosthetic is the only part you see, and takes the place of the tooth. The abutment connects the prosthetic and the implant.
Single Implant
Single Implant: A single implant is exactly what it sounds like; a standalone tooth. This is one metal screw-like implant placed in your bone with a single cap on top. It is great for one missing tooth, but you would never want to replace all of your teeth with single implants. Firstly, the titanium implant (metal screw) needs more bone around it than the natural tooth’s root. Secondly, it would be way too expensive. Instead, you would use either an implant bridge or a full fixed arch.
Implant Bridge
Implant Bridge: An implant bridge is a set of two dental implants placed in your jaw, with implant crowns bridging the gap between them. This is usually chosen to replace three to four missing teeth, but again, not for a full mouth. Also, if your teeth are deteriorating, it can be better to remove all of your teeth and place an implant arch or a full set of upper or lower teeth.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full Mouth Dental Implants: Full mouth dental implants are the full restoration of the upper arch (all your top teeth) and the bottom arch (all your bottom teeth). This is a single set that rests on four to six implants, strategically placed for maximum strength. This not only looks incredible, but also offers an amazing amount of strength.
The most common type of full mouth dental implant procedure is sometimes referred to as the All-On-4® This means the arch rests on at least four implants. Four implants are the most common, but sometimes five or six implants are used. This depends mostly on your jaw bone density, volume, and the doctor’s evaluation.
The reason the so-called All-On-4® implant procedure is more common is because it offers such a great range of strength and stability for the teeth, while also reducing the stress on your jaw and recovery time. At Nuvia, we never do less than four implants because of the stability needed to ensure a long-lasting, permanent solution.
Oral surgeons may sometimes place five , even six implants depending on the patient’s situation and the evaluation of our highly-trained surgeons. Some dental implant centers offer 3 on 6 dental implants, you can learn about the differences between all on 4 and 3 on 6 dental implants here.
So, how long do dental implants last?
In all reality, full mouth dental implants, though designed to last a lifetime, last differently depending on your biology and oral health. Our incredibly skilled surgeons evaluate each case individually, and customize all treatment plans and prosthetics specifically to you.
Digital mapping technology with our 24-hour placement procedures can provide you with the assurance that your teeth will last.
Ready to get started? See if you may be eligible for dental implants with this 60-second quiz.
