Zirconia vs. Titanium Implants: Which One Is Best?

Tooth loss is never easy. A missing tooth can become a source of discomfort, cause trouble speaking and eating, and lead to further oral health issues, affecting your quality of life in the long run. To prevent these issues, exploring restorative options right away is key. You can now find healthier options supported by biological holistic dentistry practices.  

One of these options includes metal-free implants, which are made with zirconia and integrate smoothly with bone and gum tissue. However, to determine whether this type of implant is best for you, it is key to understand how it performs in comparison to titanium.  

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Role in Dentistry  

Dental implants are a restorative method for replacing one or several missing teeth. This technique stands out among others because it aims to replicate the structure of a natural tooth. Implants act as a root that attaches to the jawbone and contains a tooth-like crown on top.

Unlike other restorations, dental implants provide unparalleled stability, durability for several years to come, and stimulation of the jawbone—crucial for preventing further tooth loss.  

Many patients don’t know that tooth roots are a source of nutrients and constant blood flow for the jawbone, keeping it healthy and firm. When a tooth is lost, the bone loses its support, which can cause recession. This results in skin sagging and increases the chances of tooth loss in the area.  

Implants prevent this complication, which is why they have become a go-to choice for restoration in dentistry. For years, the only option was traditional titanium implants. However, metal-free implants have emerged in modern times, making this treatment more biocompatible and available to a wider audience.  

But which one is best for you?  

What Are Titanium Implants?  

In these traditional implants, the screw (or the root-like part of the implant) is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that osseointegrates with your jawbone. This means it fuses to the bone, achieving stability and the strength to withstand your strong chewing forces.

The process usually takes between 3 to 6 months.

Titanium implants have been used since the 1960s and are considered the most common. They’re highly durable, lasting up to 30 years with proper care and can fully restore a patient’s chewing abilities. Unfortunately, titanium implants aren’t an option for everyone.

While rare, some patients have titanium allergies that often go undiagnosed until after implant placement, leading to a failed procedure.

What Are Zirconia Implants?  

These implants feature roots made of zirconia—an advanced ceramic derived from zirconium dioxide. Zirconia exhibits remarkable strength and durability, even when subjected to frequent and intense chewing and biting forces.  

Additionally, zirconia integrates seamlessly with gum and bone tissue. The material is widely biocompatible, which makes it a great option for metal-free implant dentistry.

Zirconia implants are usually one-piece units that combine the root and crown portions into a single component. The material's natural color and translucence make them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.

Moreover, their smooth surfaces resist plaque accumulation better, which helps prevent gum disease and implant failure.  

Zirconia vs. Titanium: Which One Is the Best Option?  

So, both titanium and zirconia help restore missing teeth and stimulate the jawbone, but which one is better for you? When choosing between the two, key factors to consider include resistance, aesthetics, and health concerns.

Resistance

Titanium implants are usually said to be more durable. However, a recent study published in Cureus last year may contradict that belief. The study directly compared the mechanical and aesthetic characteristics of zirconia, ceramic, and titanium implants.  

Thirty implants of each type were machine tested to determine their ability to flex under pressure, withstand repeated stress (e.g., chewing pressure) without breaking down over time, and resist being pulled apart without breaking.  

While titanium performed better in terms of tensile strength and withstanding long-term stress, zirconia proved to be the hardest material and the best at maintaining its shape under pressure. Ceramic didn’t compare to either.  

Aesthetics

Zirconia looks and reflects light like natural teeth, making it an aesthetic option. The material's color stability and translucency were also tested in the same study mentioned previously.  

Researchers applied staining solutions and measured the surfaces of each material with a spectrophotometer to see how they reacted. They discovered that zirconia had the smoothest surface and could withstand staining.  

On the other hand, ceramic was more translucent—meaning it looked very similar to a tooth’s natural enamel. Still, zirconia’s looks were more than acceptable.  

Health

Zirconia is a great option for patients who are allergic to metals and those worried about the risks of long-term exposure to metals. Some of these include:

• The titanium alloys commonly found in traditional implants have the potential to corrode over time, releasing metal particles into the body that can exacerbate inflammation and cause local or systemic health issues, particularly in sensitive individuals.  

• Chronic inflammation triggered by metal ion exposure can lead to the breakdown of surrounding bone (osteolysis), compromising implant stability.  

• Metal particles irritate the gums, causing discoloration, swelling, and local mucosal inflammation.

• While rare, titanium ions may trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions in predisposed individuals in the long run. They can also cause fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain.

On the other hand, zirconia implants are hypoallergic and offer a less complicated recovery following surgery.  

Learn About Biological Holistic Dentistry and Protect Your Overall Health

Tooth loss is more than an aesthetic concern: it can become the triggering factor that puts your entire oral health at risk. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding ones will shift to the available space, affecting your bite. Moreover, tooth loss fosters bone resorption, impacting your jawbone health.

To prevent these complications, replacing missing teeth right away is key. This doesn’t mean you should make the decision recklessly. Informing yourself about your options is key to making the right choice. Here at Dental Healing Arts, we want to offer patients treatments that support good overall health in the long run.

Contact us today for more information about zirconia implants!

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