Zirconia Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent way to restore missing teeth in the mouth and are made of titanium or zirconia. Zirconia dental implants are relatively new to the scene, having received FDA approval in 2011 though dentists in Europe have been using Zirconia implants for decades. Zirconia implants have great biocompatibility and are just as stable as titanium and can be a great option for patients with metal allergies!
What is a zirconia implant?
A dental implant is a dental prosthesis that works to restore one or more missing teeth in the mouth. A post is screwed into the jawbone and protrudes just above the gum line where an implant crown or implant denture can be affixed. Titanium implants are the more common material, having been used since the 1960s and have a success rate between 94%-97%. Zirconia implants are growing in popularity since their approval by the FDA and are often used in holistic dentistry but their long-term success rate has not been adequately studied since they are so new.
What are zirconia implants made of?
Zirconia is a ceramic material that is white and can be tinted to match the patient's natural tooth color. Zirconia implants are used as a nonmetal alternative to titanium implants. A ceramic restoration is a solid material made from an inorganic compound of metal and non-metal with ionic or covalent bonds.
Pros and Cons of Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia implants can be more aesthetically pleasing as they illuminate the risk of metal showing around the gum line. For patients who would prefer metal free dentistry, a zirconia implant is the only option. Initially, zirconia implants were fabricated as one piece, the implant, the Apartment, and the crown. As technology has advanced, zirconia implants now come in two pieces which allow for a customized abutment. Opting for a metal free implant can be healthier for the gum tissue because the material retains less plaque and calculus buildup than titanium; zirconia has also shown to be as good as, if not better, for osseointegration than titanium.
One of the downfalls of zirconia implants is the low-temperature degradation as the implant ages, could result in mechanical properties of the implant becoming degraded and reducing the strength, density, and durability of the material. Since zirconia implants are so new to the US, there are not many clinical studies available to show the long-term success of zirconia implants.
Which is better, Zirconia or Titanium?
Since titanium has been around so much longer and has more studies behind it showing its biocompatibility and success, most patients feel more comfortable with it. Zirconia implants have emerged and proven to be a promising alternative to titanium implants for patients who would prefer a non-metal dental restoration. Zirconia has a comparable biocompatibility and osseointegration ability to titanium and could be the better option for some patients.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Zirconia vs Titanium
Advantages
Allergies: Patients with a metal allergy and can have a hard time with dental restorations that contain metal properties. Patients often choose metal free implants in order to restore their teeth without the risk of failure. It is rare for a person to be allergic to titanium but the implant will not be pure titanium which is where allergies can become problematic.
Corrosion and Plaque Buildup: Zirconia is proven to be excellent at resisting corrosion and the surface of the implant resists plaque accumulation which helps prevent peri-implantitis and periodontal disease.
Aesthetics: Since zirconia implants are completely tooth color, there is no risk of metal showing at the gum line. Titanium can have a risk of tissue discoloration or a gray appearance at the implant site in certain patients.
Disadvantages
Long term success: Titanium is well proven to have a long-term success rate between 94% and 97% since they have been around for decades and have the studies to back it. Long-term survival for zirconia implants has not been able to be studied because they are still new.
Durability: Is a more brittle material than titanium and has a lower fracture strength and a lower flexural strength which simply means that it is more likely to fracture under forces that cause the implant to bend or flex. Zirconia is also more prone to fracture because they have a smaller diameter which has proven to be problematic.
Limited Design: Because zirconia implants are still relatively new, there have been design improvements made but only in the past couple of years. This would be the two piece screw retained design that only became available in the US in 2019. Until then, zirconia implants were one piece. This limited design availability and parts can make it challenging for your dentist to get the best results possible. This can be especially difficult for complex cases such as a full mouth rehabilitation. Patients that require intense treatment may not have zirconia available to them as an option.
Are zirconia dental implants safe?
Zirconia implants are a safe alternative for patients who do not want to have a metal implant! There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to a zirconia implant but your dentist can help you determine what type of implant will best suit your individual needs and fit your lifestyle.
If you need a dental implant, discuss your options with your dentist so that you can make an informed decision!