Zirconia Dental Implants
First approved for use by the FDA in 2011, zirconia dental implants have quickly become a solid alternative to the standard titanium implants that have been in use since the 1960s, when dental implants were created. Initially designed as an alternative material for those with metal allergies, including those to the typically well-tolerated titanium, zirconia implants have further evolved to serve as a whole new system for creating and implanting dental implants. Though zirconia implants solve the same basic problems as do titanium implants – they replace one or more missing teeth – they do so with some important differences in design.
Differences between Titanium and Zirconia Implants
The primary distinction that is made between titanium and zirconia implants is the materials of which they are composed. Indeed, this is an important difference; zirconia implants, while not metal free, are made of a ceramic material instead of the traditional titanium alloy. While titanium is highly biocompatible and a very small percentage of the population experiences any problems in terms of sensitivities or allergies, there is a small percentage of people who don’t tolerate this material well. Zirconia is the alternative material that has been developed and made available both to this group and anyone else who prefers the look or implantation process of zirconia implants.
Another important difference between titanium and zirconia implants is the way they are engineered. Titanium implants are composed of three pieces that are implanted and attached in different phases. First, the dental implant fixture is embedded into the jawbone below the gumline. At this stage, the second piece, called the abutment, can either be attached with a temporary healing cuff visible on top of the gumline, or the gums can be stitched back up and allowed to heal. The implant fixture, which is essentially a small metal post, must be allowed two to six months to fuse with the bone. After that point, either an abutment can be attached below the gumline (necessitating another short healing time) or the temporary abutment can be removed and a permanent abutment attached. After this is done and the soft tissues of the gums have been allowed to heal, the prosthetic – whether that be a single crown or an implant-supported bridge or dentures – can be attached to the abutment.
Zirconia dental implants, on the other hand, are typically created and implanted in one single piece, with the implant fixture and the abutment permanently connected.
Advantages of Zirconia Implants
This functional difference between titanium and zirconia implants also leads to some benefits in terms of the implantation process. Because the implant fixture and abutment parts of zirconia implants are installed in a single piece, there are less steps needed to lay the foundation for this type of dental implant. That means less time spent in the dentist’s office and slightly less healing time required before next steps can be taken.
Furthermore, zirconia has been proven to be just as biocompatible as titanium if not more so. Biocompatibility is the degree to which a material can be introduced to the human body without damaging or changing the cells and tissues that surround it. Simply put, zirconia has been proven to be safe when implanted in the body, and has a very low rejection rate, which means that zirconia implants typically remain firmly in place with very few complications. As an added bonus, zirconia also doesn’t transfer heat as much as titanium can.
There are some potential benefits to oral health for those with zirconia implants, as well. Some studies have shown that zirconia tends to accumulate less plaque than the traditional titanium implants. This is partially attributable to inherent differences in the materials, but may also be a function of design, as less connecting pieces connect less detritus.
Finally, some patients prefer the aesthetic advantages of zirconia, which – as a ceramic versus a metal alloy – is white rather than grey. While the foundational pieces of the dental implant remain hidden by the prosthetic itself, there can occasionally be small glimpses of the bottom of the abutment if not completely covered by an implant crown on denture. This is typically not an issue with implants further to the back of the mouth, but for implants at the front of one’s mouth, visible in their smile, this can be an important issue.
Disadvantages of Zirconia Implants
While zirconia implants are good at replacing single teeth, they aren’t the best option for implant-supported bridges or dentures. In these cases, the high number of available titanium systems simply outweighs those that have been engineered using zirconia.
Furthermore, zirconia is a strong material, particularly in terms of withstanding compression, but it can fracture more easily than titanium when pressure does not come straight down. Any kind of pressure that might lead to bending or bowing can result in severe fractures, necessitating immediate repair. This means that those who opt for zirconia implants as opposed to titanium implants will likely have to deal with a higher number of issues and repairs over time.
Most importantly, perhaps, the longevity of zirconia implants has simply not been studied long enough to know how they measure up to titanium implants, which have been proven to last decades. Introduced in 2011, there simply hasn’t been enough time to do the kinds of long-term studies that have been undertaken in examining titanium implants. As such, projections of durability are based only on knowledge of the material and how the system works in general; more time is needed to make informed statements about the success of zirconia implants over time.
Other Considerations
Regardless of whether you choose zirconia or titanium dental implants, the most important thing is to work with a dentist and oral surgeon that you trust. Dental implants are a lasting solution to a problem that impacts more than the quality of your smile; in planning for your own implants, remember that whoever you work with should be sensitive to your own needs and desires; allow you to ask questions; give you plentiful information in return; and involve you in the decision-making process. If all of that is in place, you’re sure to make the right decision for you and your situation and have the best experience possible.