Dental Implants vs. Natural Teeth: How Close Are They?

Let’s face it, when we bite into our favorite foods or snacks we do so without a second thought. But imagine this simple pleasure being compromized by a missing or severely damaged tooth. Eating, speaking, and even smiling suddenly don’t feel the same.

For years, dental implants have been hailed as the gold standard option for missing tooth replacement, but how well do they really measure up to natural teeth? Are they just a substitute, or can they truly replicate the look, feel, and function of your original teeth?

Spoiler alert: The gap between the two has never been smaller. In this post, we’re diving deep into how dental implants compare to natural teeth in terms of strength, appearance, and maintenance,  and why modern implant technology is transforming lives, one smile at a time. So let’s get started…

Functionality: Strength, stability, and sensation

When it comes to chewing and biting, natural teeth are the benchmark. Did you know that our pearly whites are one of the most powerful forces in the body, able to withstand well over 200 lbs of bite force?

Moreover, research tells us that tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the body, is pound for pound, stronger than steel. Inevitably, dental implants have a lot to live up to.

The good news is that implants have already come remarkably close to replicating natural tooth function in many aspects. So let’s see just how close they come…

Strength and durability

When titanium-based implants integrate with the jaw, the bond is so strong that it allows modern implants to withstand around 85% of the bite pressure of natural teeth -  that’s around 170 lbs, meaning you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods. Moreover, implants can withstand this pressure repeatedly without issue.

Compare that to conventional dentures, and, well… there is no comparison. Because even the most robust dentures only provide around 30 % - 35% of our natural bite force. As a result, most denture wearers take to altering their diet by swapping out hard and crunchy snacks in favor of softer foods that are easier to chew.

And what about implants?

Well….there are no such dietary changes meaning that you can practically eat whatever you want.

Stability and sensation:

Unlike dentures, which can slip or shift, implants are securely anchored to the jawbone. This provides stability akin to that of natural teeth. While implants lack the periodontal ligament that natural teeth have (the soft connective tissue that transmits sensations to the nerves), they still offer sufficient feedback, allowing for better distribution of natural forces to help with chewing and biting effectively.

So, that’s the mechanics of natural teeth vs implants, now let’s talk about the esthetics…

Appearance: Can you spot the difference?

Modern dental implants are meticulously designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and contemporary versions do a pretty good job. Here’s how they compare to natural teeth:

• Custom-matched crowns:
  Implant crowns are crafted from high-quality porcelain or zirconia, both of which can be custom-colored and shaped to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Dental porcelain even has a translucent look, matching that of natural teeth. In many cases, this makes implants indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.
• Gum tissue integration:
  While natural healthy teeth fit snugly into the gumline, skilled dental professionals can also ensure that the replica tooth is properly contoured to match the gumline, creating a natural-looking emergence profile. The result? A smile that looks just as good, if not better than, before tooth loss.
• Color stability:
  Unlike natural teeth, which can stain over time, implant crowns are more resistant to discoloration. However, regular care is still essential to maintain their appearance.

Finally, what about long-term care? Are dental implants vs natural teeth similar in this regard or completely different?

Care and maintenance: What’s the difference?

When it comes to oral care, both natural teeth and implants are alike. Unlike conventional dentures that need to be removed and cleaned nightly to prevent bacterial build-up, implants, like natural teeth, remain in the mouth. Therefore, they require a similar cleaning and maintenance routine to your original pearly whites, but with a few subtle differences. Here’s a comparison…

• Daily care:
• Natural Teeth: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
• Dental Implants: Follow a similar routine but use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a specialized floss or water flosser to clean around the implant. Non-abrasive toothpaste is important because conventional brands will scratch the surface of an implant restoration.

• Routine checkups:
• Natural Teeth: Regular dental visits are crucial for detecting cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Implants: While implants can’t decay, peri-implantitis – a pathological condition that attacks the gum tissue around the implant - can occur. To prevent this condition, regular cleanings and check-ups are essential to stave off complications.

• Longevity:
• Natural Teeth: With proper care, they can last a lifetime, but decay, trauma, and gum disease can and will compromise their integrity.
• Dental Implants: While the attachment crown may need replacement every 10-15 years, the implant post itself can last indefinitely, making it a long-term investment in oral health.

Dental implants vs natural teeth – So, how close is the real thing?

The answer is very!

Thanks to advancements in implant technology, modern dental implants have evolved to function, feel, and look almost identical to natural teeth. While they may not have the exact nerve structure of natural teeth, they still offer exceptional strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal, even outlasting natural teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma.

If you’re dealing with missing or severely damaged teeth, dental implants may be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Chesterfield Dentistry, we specialize in state-of-the-art implant procedures designed to restore your smile’s beauty and functionality.

Ready to reclaim your smile?

Contact Chesterfield Dentistry today to schedule a consultation and discover how dental implants can transform your life. Call us at 314-936-3621 or visit our website to learn more.