As dental implants continue to grow in popularity, more options surrounding their use become available. Today one can replace a single tooth, a few teeth, or even all of one’s teeth with the aid of dental implants, either individually placed or structured strategically to support various forms of dental appliances such as bridges or even implant-retained dentures. Furthermore, today’s dental implants can also be made in two different materials, titanium or zirconia. While titanium is the standard material used since the early 1960s, the introduction of zirconia into the dental implant market has offered some important benefits and advantages.
Structural Differences between Titanium and Zirconia Implants
In addition to being created from entirely different materials – titanium is a metal and zirconia is a ceramic – these different kinds of dental implants also differ structurally in notable ways. The titanium implant structure, which dates back to the 1960s when they were first introduced, includes three pieces, including an implant fixture (the post that is inserted into the jawbone and remains positioned under the gumline), the prosthetic crown, and the abutment (the small piece that connects the crown to the implant fixture.
Zirconia implants, on the other hand, are typically composed of two pieces, as the parts that serve as the implant fixture and the abutment in titanium implants are merged into one in zirconia implants.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Titanium Implants
The standard in dental implants, titanium is both very strong and incredibly biocompatible. The three-part system allows for a more comfortable margin in placement of the implant fixture, as adjustments can be made via the abutment following surgery if necessary. A less expensive material, titanium also makes for a more cost-effective price point as compared to zirconia.
However, not everyone tolerates titanium – those with metal allergies may find that titanium is not a good option as it could create an allergic reaction. This is part of the reason that zirconia implants were invented and introduced in 2009; to give this group access that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy.
While titanium implants are highly customizable, they can also lead to cosmetic concerns, particularly at the front of the mouth where the gumline is more visible. Because titanium is a metal, small flashes of silver could be visible in some cases, which might make zirconia the more appealing material in certain areas of the mouth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Zirconia Implants
Zirconia implants provide a sound alternative to titanium implants, particularly for those with metal allergies. Strong and attractive, zirconia is the naturally the color of teeth and as such can virtually eliminate the cosmetic concerns surrounding the use of titanium in dental implants.
However, zirconia implants are not quite as strong as titanium and therefore may be more susceptible to breaks or fractures over time. While these can be repaired, these repairs can add to the cost of zirconia implants, which is already higher than that of titanium implants due to the increased cost of the material and the increased care that must be taken during their placement.