Dental implants have become a popular solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral health. They provide a permanent and durable option that closely replicates the look and function of natural teeth. Titanium has long been the material of choice for dental implants, but recently, zirconia implants have gained attention as a metal-free alternative. Zirconia ceramic implants have a white color that can blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them an appealing option for many patients. However, both zirconia and titanium implants have their advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between zirconia vs titanium implants to help you make an informed decision.
Zirconia vs.Titanium Implants: An Overview
Titanium implants have been widely used in dentistry for several decades and have a long history of success. They are made from biocompatible titanium alloy, which allows them to fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable support system for the dental crown, ensuring durability and longevity.
On the other hand, zirconia dental implants, also known as ceramic implants, are relatively newer in the field of dentistry. They are made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material known for its strength and durability. Zirconia implants are becoming increasingly popular due to their excellent aesthetic properties and biocompatibility.
History of Implant Materials
The use of titanium implants in dentistry dates back to the 1960s when Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark discovered osseointegration. This breakthrough led to the development of titanium implants as a successful and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Titanium implants have been extensively researched and tested over the years, making them a well-established and trusted choice.
On the other hand, zirconia dental implants have gained popularity more recently as a viable alternative to titanium implants. The use of zirconia in dentistry initially started with the introduction of zirconia-based ceramic crowns and bridges. As technology advanced, zirconia implants were developed as an alternative to titanium implants. Zirconia is a biocompatible material that closely resembles the white tooth color, making it an attractive option for patients seeking a more aesthetic outcome.
What are The Differences between Zirconia and Titanium Implants?
Dental implants are a common option for tooth replacement. They have been used in dentistry since the 1960s. Titanium implants are very popular because they have been used for many years and are well-proven in terms of body compatibility, stability, and durability. They are usually two-piece implants, consisting of:
- The implant body: It is inserted into the jawbone (under the gumline) and fuses with the surrounding bone tissue (osseointegration).
- The abutment: Titanium abutments connect the implant body with the dental prosthesis (crowns, bridges, and dentures).
Zirconia implants are usually one piece. One-piece implants mean that the implant body and the abutment are connected. Compared to titanium implants, one-piece zirconia implants haven’t been used long enough to understand their long-term success.
Comparing Zirconia and Titanium Implants: Which One to Choose?
There are several key differences between zirconia and titanium implants that are important to consider when making a decision:
Aesthetic of Zirconia vs Titanium Implants
If the patient has a thin bone or thin gum, titanium metal implants may develop a grey line under the gum, causing an aesthetic problem.
The color of zirconia ceramic implants is very similar to natural teeth (white tooth color). Therefore, they are suitable in places that have a thin gum, thin bone, or a possible gum recession, and the implant grey metal could shine through gum tissue.
Biocompatibility & Osseointegration
Both zirconia and titanium implants are considered highly biocompatible, meaning they are well tolerated by the human body and have minimal risk of causing an allergic reaction or rejection.
Osseointegration is the direct fusion between titanium and zirconia implants and living bone tissue. This process usually takes 4-6 months to complete, depending on the bone density. Dental implants fuse with the surrounding jawbone and act as a natural tooth root, providing a stable foundation for dental crowns and bridges.
Zirconia is a non-metallic material, which makes it a metal-free alternative for patients with a history of metal allergies or sensitivities. It does not trigger any adverse reactions in the body. Additionally, zirconia implants have a low affinity for plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection or complications associated with bacteria buildup.
Strength
Strength is an important factor to consider when comparing zirconia vs titanium implants. Titanium dental implants are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They have been used in dental implant procedures for decades and have a proven track record of success.
Zirconia implants, on the other hand, have impressive mechanical properties and are known for their high strength and toughness. Ceramic material has high fracture resistance. making them a reliable choice for dental implants. However, it is important to note that zirconia implants may not be as strong as titanium implants, especially in cases where there is a higher biting force or if the implant is placed in the posterior region of the mouth.
Durability of Zirconia vs Titanium Implants
Titanium dental implants have been used for many years. Therefore, they are well-proven in terms of stability and durability. Titanium implants have a long-term success rate of 95%. They can last 25 years on average. Zirconia implants haven’t been used long enough to understand their long-term success.
Material of Implants
Zirconia implants are made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material known for its strength and durability. Zirconia is highly resistant to fracture and chipping, making it an excellent option for dental crowns, bridges, and implants. However, zirconia implants are still relatively new, clinical studies are quite limited about their long-term success.
Titanium is a metal alloy with a silver color that has been used in the medical field for decades, including hip and knee replacements, and dental implants. It is a biocompatible, durable material that has a unique ability to fuse with the jawbone, allowing for osseointegration. Titanium dental implants have a long history of success and have been used in dentistry for many years.
The Placement of Zirconia vs Titanium Implants
Titanium implants usually consist of 2 pieces (two-piece implants); the implant body and the abutment (straight or angled). So, they give the oral surgeons more control during the placement process. In some cases, the oral surgeon needs to place the implant body at a slight angle because of the bone density and the optimal position of the implant. Then, they use straight or angled abutments to make the smile line and bite alignment more natural.
The implant positioning and placement of zirconia ceramic implants is more challenging because the implant body and the abutment are usually connected (one-piece implants). Now, two-piece zirconia implants are available. However, two-piece zirconia implants have not yet been widely tested. In the case of full-arch dental implants, titanium dental implants are a better choice than zirconia implants.
Which One Lasts Longer?
As mentioned earlier, titanium dental implants have a long-term success rate of 95% and can last 25-30 years or more. This is due to the proven durability and stability of titanium as a material. With proper care and maintenance, titanium implants have shown excellent longevity.
On the other hand, zirconia implants haven’t been used long enough for researchers to determine their long-term success and lifespan. Because zirconia implants are a relatively new technology, clinical studies are still limited. However, early research suggests that zirconia implants have the potential to be just as durable as titanium implants. They can last for 15-20 years or more with proper oral hygiene.
Which One Looks Better?
Zirconia implants have a clear advantage over titanium implants when it comes to aesthetic outcomes. Zirconia is a white, ceramic material that closely resembles natural tooth color, making it blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. This is a significant benefit for patients having thin gum tissue, replacing anterior missing teeth, or wanting their dental implants to look as natural as possible.
On the other hand, titanium implants have a dark metal color that may be noticeable if the patient has thin or translucent gum tissue. However, it’s important to note that the visibility of the implant may vary depending on the location of the implant and individual factors, such as gum thickness and lip position.
Titanium Allergies
Titanium dental implants have a proven track record of being biocompatible, meaning that they are well-tolerated by the body and have a low risk of causing adverse reactions. Allergic reactions to titanium are extremely rare, making it a safe choice for most patients.
Zirconia implants, on the other hand, are also highly biocompatible and have been shown to promote soft tissue health and gum stability. This makes them suitable for patients who may have a history of metal allergies or sensitivities to metal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both zirconia and titanium dental implants offer their own unique set of advantages and considerations.
Titanium dental implants have a long-standing history of success and durability, with a proven track record lasting 25-30 years or more. They are highly reliable and well-tolerated by the human body, making them a popular choice for dental implants. However, their metallic appearance may be a drawback for patients with thin gum tissue or those who prioritize aesthetics.
On the other hand, zirconia implants have the advantage of being aesthetically pleasing, closely resembling natural tooth color. They offer excellent gum tissue integration and can provide natural-looking results, especially for patients with thinner gum tissue. However, long-term data on their stability and lifespan are still emerging, as they are a newer implant technology.
When considering the choice between zirconia vs titanium implants, it is important to weigh factors, such as position and number of implants, aesthetics, and your oral surgeon’s recommendations. Consulting with a dental implant specialist is crucial to determine which implant material is best suited for your specific needs and goals.
