Dental implants can be a permanent solution to missing teeth, but how long do they really last? It’s a valid question, and one that deserves an in-depth answer. But before we can get to the answer, we first need to understand what dental implants are, what dental implants are made from, and other factors that impact the durability and strength of your dental implants.

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.

What is a dental implant? Crown, Abutment, and 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.

Dental Implants: Single Dental Implant Illustration


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.

Dental Implants: Bridge Dental Implants Illustration

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 Four.” 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 Four 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.

We do 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.

Dental Implants: All on 4 dental implants illustration

But what is it made of?

Now that we have gone over the different types of procedures, let’s discuss the different types of materials. There are three common materials used: 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 abutments mentioned earlier.

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, we offer PMMA and Zirconia in 24-hours. That's right, permanent prosthetics out of either PMMA or Zirconia in just 24-hours.

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, we use digital mapping technology to mill a custom set of teeth  for your implants. When you have surgery, we place the implants, map your mouth and newly placed implants with an advanced scanner, and custom mill your PMMA or Zirconia teeth overnight. That way, you can have a perfect fitting set of permanent teeth in just 24-hours. Each prosthetic 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).

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY 24HR IMPLANTS ARE BETTER THAN “TEETH-IN-A-DAY” CLICK HERE

So, how long do dental implants last?

In all reality, full mouth dental implants 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.

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Dental Implant Cost Guide

2024 Cost Guide

This guide is designed to walk you step by step through the dental implant process and each dental implant type with their associated costs.

  • Different implant types and their average costs
  • 4 little known factors that affect pricing
  • How much will dental & health insurance typically cover for dental implants?
  • What 1000’s of average Americans are doing to make this treatment affordable.
  • And more...
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