Titanium vs Zirconia Dental Implants
Which Is Better? Zirconia Dental Implants or Titanium Dental Implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth, your dentist will have almost certainly have talked to you about replacing them, or you might have done your own research. It is highly likely that you will have come across dental implants as a potential solution, and you may even know some people who have already had this treatment.
Dental implants are regarded as the gold standard for restoring missing teeth. The technology used to place dental implants is tried and tested, and especially in the case of traditional dental implants which are made from medical-grade titanium alloy. These types of implants have now been routinely used for decades. However, not everybody wants any metal in their mouth. Some people have concerns about having any kind of metal in their body, while others will have sensitivities or allergies to specific types of metal. When this is the case, it can make the thought of titanium dental implants a little concerning. There is some good news, however, as ceramic or zirconia dental implants are an alternative treatment and are entirely metal-free. Here, we look at the difference between titanium and zirconia or all-ceramic dental implants.
What are Titanium Dental Implants And Why Choose Them?
Titanium dental implants are made from a high-quality titanium alloy. This metal is chosen because it is highly biocompatible with the body and is exceptionally inert. Titanium is already used quite widely in other medical applications including hip joints. One of the advantages of titanium is that it allows osseointegration to take place very effectively. Osseointegration is a process that occurs when the dental implant is first inserted into the jawbone, and the healing process begins. During this process, the implant post gradually bonds with the surrounding bone, and new bone cells actually grow on the surface of the titanium post so that eventually it becomes fused with the jawbone.
Titanium implants are designed as a one-piece unit or more usually as two separate components. The components include the implant screw that is inserted into the jawbone and the implant abutment which is attached to the screw, usually at a later date, once osseointegration is complete. One-piece titanium implants tend to be mini dental implants that are frequently used to stabilize dentures. Because titanium dental implants have been used for so long, there are numerous different systems on the market and the metal has been extensively researched and tested for its safety and longevity.
Titanium Dental Implants
It is also possible for implant posts to be sprayed with plasma, or they are etched creating a greater surface area to fuse with the bone.
Osseointegration
Titanium is highly suitable for dental implants because it is biocompatible, so the body easily accepts it. The titanium is specially coated to prevent corrosion, and it also has a coating of hydroxyapatite, a substance found in natural bone that encourages new bone growth, ensuring the dental implant osseointegrates (read more about osseointegration) or fuses strongly with the surrounding bone.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Titanium Dental Implants?
An allergy to titanium is extremely rare, and it is quite difficult to test accurately for, although we can use a MELISA test, which is a blood test that can establish if a patient has an allergy to metal.
Titanium dental implants are made from medical grade titanium or titanium alloy, which is the same material used for orthopedic joint replacements and other bone implants.
Ensuring our dentist in Brooklyn, NY only use the highest quality components greatly reduces the risk of side-effects like:
- Allergies
- Implant corrosion
- Implant failure
However, if you do have metal allergies or sensitivities and are concerned about having any metal in your mouth, zirconia dental implants are entirely metal-free.
How Does This Compare with Zirconia Dental Implants?
Zirconia dental implants are a much newer invention, but they have been in use regularly in Europe for quite some time now. In comparison, they have only been used in the United States for the last decade or so. Because they are still a relatively new invention, there is much less research into the long-term performance of zirconia dental implants, but all indications show that it is an extremely effective material. Initially, zirconia dental implants tended to be in a single unit that included the implant post and the abutment, but nowadays there are some two-piece zirconia dental implants available. Just like titanium dental implants, zirconia dental implants integrate extremely well with the jawbone and are highly biocompatible and hypoallergenic. Also, the smooth ceramic material of zirconia is quite resistant to plaque, so it can be a more hygienic solution and especially when a one-piece dental implant is chosen. Another factor is to consider when selecting your dental implant system, is its location in the mouth. For example, if you need to replace a front tooth, it’s possible a zirconia dental implant could be a better solution. Zirconia is a naturally white color which can be more suitable in specific situations where aesthetics is critical. Some people have naturally thinner gum tissue and where the metal color of the titanium alloy implant could shine through, which wouldn’t be very appealing when restoring a front tooth. Zirconia eliminates these problems, ensuring a high-quality outcome.
What about the Cost?
Because titanium dental implants are more widely produced, the costs tend to be more reasonable whereas ceramic dental implants are a more specialized product which is reflected in the price. If you do want a zirconia dental implant, it will likely be more expensive, but it is worth checking with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost or at least part of the cost of dental implant surgery. Originally, dental implant surgery tended to be classed as a cosmetic procedure, but now it’s more widely recognized as being an essential service. As such, more dental insurance companies are covering at least a portion of the costs, for example, the implant crown. While you may not be able to claim the entire cost back, it could take the sting out of treatment. Also, dental implants can look amazing, so any additional costs are almost certainly worth it. Provided you choose an experienced and highly trained implant dentist, and you look after your dental implant correctly, you should be able to enjoy the results for years or even for life.
How to Decide Which Is Best?
Many implant dentists still prefer to recommend titanium dental implants because they are a proven and reliable choice. Zirconia dental implants look good, but zirconia has a lower elasticity compared with titanium which has a high flexural strength. A lower elasticity can lead to microfractures, but it’s worth bearing in mind that zirconia is an incredibly durable material that is already widely used for dental restorations, including crowns and bridges.
Deciding which solution is best may be straightforward if you do have metal allergies or sensitivities. If you aren’t sure about any allergies, ask your dentist about MELISA testing. This is a test that can accurately determine any sensitivities to specific metals, and that may dictate your choice of material, although an allergy to titanium is extremely rare. Otherwise, if you are fine with having metal in your body, it could be more of an aesthetic decision. Your dental implant dentist should be able to discuss each solution with you and can recommend which is most suitable based on your medical and dental health.
Most the best dental implants including mini dental implants, single tooth implants and full dental implants we are using in our Dental Implant Center in Brooklyn are made from titanium as this metal has numerous beneficial qualities and is widely used in the medical industry.
Adwantages
Zirconia dental implants are made from an extremely strong and durable ceramic material and are metal-free. These implants have been extensively tested and have received FDA approval, and have been used successfully in Europe for many years.
The design of zirconia implants can help discourage plaque and tartar build-up around the implant, potentially reducing the risk of gum disease and another similar condition called peri-implantitis that specifically affects dental implants.
Zirconia implants can also be useful for people with thinner gum tissue and where a metal implant could potentially show through the gum. Because zirconia implants are naturally white, the overall effect can be more cosmetically pleasing.
Zirconia implants will appeal to people wishing to take a more holistic approach to their dental health, and some dentists feel there are certain advantages in using zirconia implants.
Why Choose Zirconia Dental Implants?
Our dentist, Dr. Leonard Umanoff, is experienced in planning and placing titanium and zirconia dental implants. During your initial consultation, Dr. Umanoff can discuss all suitable implant systems and implant materials with you, including titanium and zirconia. Choose Dr. Umanoff is the best dentist for implants in Brooklyn who will provide all the information you require to help you decide on the best quality implant for your needs.
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