When it comes to dental implants, titanium is not your only option, as you can choose from either titanium or zirconia implants. The question is, which should you choose and why?
Why does Implant Material Matter?
A dental implant is made up of an implant post, an abutment, and a restoration. The post is the part that is implanted into the jaw; the restoration is the tooth replacement, and the abutment is a small piece that connects the post and the restoration.
The reason why implant material is an important consideration is simple: the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone—so it needs to be made from a biocompatible material that is strong and non-allergenic. Both titanium and zirconia fit the bill, although titanium is slightly ahead when it comes to biocompatibility.
Zirconia for Dental Implants
Zirconia is a crystalline material that’s best-known for its diamond-like appearance. When used for dental purposes, the material is altered to match the color of natural teeth. Zirconia is derived from zirconium metal but chemically is not itself a metal—so implants made from zirconia are metal-free. Some people prefer the idea of zirconia implants on this basis alone, due to concerns about having metal implants in their mouth.
Another reason to choose zirconia implants is if you have aesthetic concerns about the possibility of titanium implants showing through your gums. If you have thin gum tissue, it’s possible that implant posts may be slightly visible; however, if you have healthy gums, it’s unlikely that the titanium would become visible.
However, there are some drawbacks to using zirconia dental implants. One is that these implants are made in one piece, whereas titanium implants are in two pieces, connected by an abutment. This means that when placing zirconia implants, dentists have slightly less precise control over that placement. This is of concern when placing a full arch of teeth, but is less of an issue for single-tooth implants.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium is a biocompatible metal that has been used in medical implants for several decades. This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing titanium, as there is a long and well-documented history that concerns its safety. In contrast, zirconia has been in use in dental implants only since 2007, and there is much less research to support its safety. That doesn’t mean zirconia is unsafe, but it does mean much more is known about titanium and how it affects the body.
One of the biggest drawbacks of choosing titanium is the possibility of gum recession, which can result in visible metal at the gum line. Zirconia has the potential to reduce the risk of gum recession, which is a definite advantage. However, taking good care of oral health and hygiene vastly reduces the risk of gum recession, so gum recession doesn’t need to be a major concern.
Titanium is a highly durable metal, which gives it a big advantage over zirconia implants, which are at risk of micro-fractures. Zirconia implants are likely to improve in strength and durability over time, as more advances are made in dental science; but for now, titanium offers greater stability and durability.
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If you’re choosing between titanium and zirconia implants, it’s important to take some time to consider your decision carefully—as you’ll be living with the results for decades. Call us for advice and ask for a recommendation to help you choose what’s right for you.