Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants: Which One Would Give you the Best Smile?

There are about 30 million Americans who have missing teeth in one or both jaws. This whopping number can significantly reduce by the technology brought about by dental implants. Breakthroughs in dental arts have provided treatment options for tooth replacement.

There are two dominating kinds of implants in the market today — titanium implants and zirconia implants. Both implants have advantages and disadvantages. A patient must be aware of these before deciding on the best implants for their needs and budget.

Bone Integration

Titanium implants can be integrated into the bone completely. Patients with less bone density can benefit from titanium because of its two-piece system. This system allows one part to go inside the jawbone while another part gets connected to a replacement tooth. This process enables accuracy in the adjustment of the upper part, which results in perfect alignment.

The resulting gap between the two parts allows bacteria to thrive, making it more prone to infection.

Implants like zirconia are one-piece systems. It can also successfully integrate into the bone tissue, just like its titanium counterpart. It just needs a higher level of skill from the dental practitioner.

Safety and Biocompatibility

The FDA approves both implants, so they are considered safe. Each one went through extensive research and testing before it was allowed to come out in the market.

However, for patients who have known allergies to metals such as nickel, a titanium implant may be a cause for concern. Zirconia implants are advisable because of their biocompatibility. So far, there are no documented cases of adverse reactions or allergies to zirconia.

Maintenance

Implants like zirconia are not prone to corrosion or oxidation. It means that the surface is always clean and does not attract hard deposits or plaque where bacteria may colonize.

Titanium implants, on the other hand, may corrode or oxidize over time, which may cause implant failure. It may result in peri-implantitis, a condition wherein the gums surrounding the implant becomes infected and inflamed.

Caring and maintaining for zirconia implants are the same as real teeth. They would entail the same brushing and cleaning routine.

For titanium implants, utmost care must be observed because if the surface is scratched, there is a big possibility that deposits will adhere and cause failure in the future.

Gum and tissue health are better with zirconia implants than with the titanium ones.

Longevity

Both implants can be long-lasting and can get repaired in case of failure. Titanium implants are known to last for 20 years. If any cracks or damage should happen, restoration procedures can be done on the implant. Zirconia implants may be prone to cracks, but they can be repaired and restored to look brand new.

Aesthetic Value

Zirconia implant is cream-colored, and its hue is nearer to the real tooth. People would not notice that a person has a ceramic implant. Titanium implants, on the other hand, are dark gray or silver. It may be a cosmetic issue in the long run.

More and more patients are now choosing a zirconia implant over a titanium implant. The main reasons are cosmetic superiority and more biocompatibility. Before making a final decision, check with your dentist first so you can discuss your dental needs and plan your implant procedure accordingly.