A dental implant has become a popular choice for people looking to replace a missing tooth so it’s useful to know what options are available just in case you ever need one. Titanium implants have traditionally been used in implantology because of their ability to fuse well with the human jawbone. However, with advancements in dental technology a new implant material has come into play – ceramic – otherwise known as zirconia.
Titanium implants vs Zirconia
When considering a dental implant there are two main types to choose from – titanium dental implants and ceramic (zirconia). While both types are biocompatible they also have their pros and cons and there are several factors you need to consider when talking through your options with your dentist. Options such as…
Clinical Testing
Titanium in oral implantology has been in use since the 1960s and has undergone decades of clinic tests and scientific observations.
As a result, there’s a solid base of information and a high level of trust regarding the use of titanium implants. There are also a vast number of titanium dental implants for clinicians and patients to choose from.
Conversely and up until now, there have been fewer clinical tests performed on zirconia implants when compared to titanium. Furthermore, a zirconia dental implant is mostly confined to single tooth replacement and bridge cases, so it isn’t a viable option for every implant patient.
Placement
Although they remain similar in terms of biocompatibility and their ability to fuse with bone, as an implant material zirconia is quite different from titanium and has its own unique characteristics. This means that zirconia implants can’t just replicate titanium dental implants.
Until fairly recently, one-piece Zirconia implant systems were predominantly used, and these require a high level of skill from a dentist to place them accurately. With titanium implants however the base can be inserted first into the bone and then topped with the restoration once it has stabilised in the jaw. This allows for more flexibility and a more natural look.
A Natural Alternative
One of the challenges of titanium dental implants is that some people dislike metal medical devices being placed inside their mouth which, with gum recession, can show tinges of grey along the gum line. For this reason, zirconia is sometimes preferred because it is a naturally white material.
A metal-free zirconia implant could also be a healthier choice for your gums because this type of implant material retains less plaque and tartar than titanium.
There is also a chance, albeit extremely rare, that a person may be allergic to titanium implants. If you think you may have an allergy to titanium then it’s wise to visit an allergist to confirm this fact before you undergo dental implant treatment.
Safety
Both zirconia and titanium implants are considered safe. Both implant materials have been approved and have been tested to allow them to enter the market. That said since titanium dental implants have been in use for considerably longer, there is a far greater understanding of side effects and the reason for failures – longevity breeds trust!
Titanium implants vs zirconia, which last longer?
Both zirconia and titanium dental implants are long-lasting and in the event of a failure, both can be repaired. Titanium implants can be expected to last for several decades on average although the crown or restoration placed on top of the implant post may need repairing if becomes cracked or damaged.
Zirconia implants are also said to last for a long time but since they are still relatively new, clinical studies are limited so there is no average survival rate to report.
What type of implant is likely to heal faster?
Both implants involve placing a post into the jawbone which means they will both require time to heal. That said, there is little difference in the time they take to heal. With both zirconia and titanium implants, you can expect to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week which is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. After that, healing can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months depending on each individual. During this healing phase, the bone surrounding the implant base will fuse with the implant in a process known as osseointegration.
Pricing
As you might have guessed there is a difference in cost. Zirconia implants cost more than titanium dental implants partly because of what’s involved in the manufacture and because the placement procedure can be more complicated and time-consuming.
If you are looking for the finest aesthetic results, then you could argue that zirconia implants provide a superior option. However, it’s worth remembering that Zirconia dental implants are still relatively new and haven’t had the years of clinical testing and research behind them that titanium implants have.
Which type of dental implant is right for me?
When deciding which type of implant material is right for you, the choice may ultimately boil down to your personal preference. An older patient with gums that are thinning may choose zirconia implants to reduce the risk of metal showing through. However a professional evaluation of your teeth and jawbone will help determine the best type of dental implant for you.
Are you interested in getting dental implants?
Here at No Gaps Dental, we provide high-quality titanium implants which are topped with beautiful natural-looking porcelain crowns to provide a seamless restoration. If you’d like to find out more about our dental implants and how they can benefit you, then contact the No Gaps Dental clinic of your choice and schedule an implant consultation today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.