Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants: Which Is Better?
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The decision to replace missing teeth can be life-changing, prompting the need to understand the differences between modern dental implant types. You may have heard of traditional titanium vs zirconium implants, a recent innovation in oral surgery. Are zirconia implants better than titanium? Which material will serve you better? Let’s clarify these and other questions with our versed experts in dentistry!
What Are Zirconia Implants?
Zirconia implants are screw-like posts made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material used as a solid base to replace lost teeth. Zirconia incorporates the sturdiness of metal and the heat-resistance of ceramic. Dentists appreciate this material for its outstanding biocompatible properties. It minimally interacts with the surrounding tissues, preventing adverse chemical reactions, corrosion, and implant migration. Choosing between zirconia vs titanium implants, you can be sure the first option is a great non-metal substitute for titanium, which is vital for patients with allergic reactions to the metal.
What Are Titanium Implants?
Titanium proudly carries the status of the gold standard material in implant manufacturing. According to research, titanium alloy showed an exceptional survival rate of around 97% after 5 years for a dental implant. Such long-lastingness means robust fixtures for dental crowns, enhanced quality of patient’s life, and peace of mind regarding artificial teeth. Deciding between titanium vs zirconia dental implants, you don’t have to sacrifice any favorable characteristics: titanium has won a reputation for being eminently strong and highly compatible with the human body.
Key Differences Between Zirconia and Titanium
Since we’ve sung the praises of zirconia vs titanium dental implants, let’s concentrate on rough facts. A detailed examination of their pros and cons will help you find the fitting option for you.
Pros and Cons of Zirconia Implants
Pros:
- Innovative material with unique properties (biocompatibility, osseointegration, and favorable soft tissue response);
- Better peri-implant soft tissue interface;
- Antibacterial adhesion characteristics: there’s less bacterial colonization around zirconium vs titanium implants;
- High flexural strength;
- Long-lasting, due to superior corrosion and wear resistance;
- Increased aesthetics thanks to white color and translucency.
Cons:
- More brittle than robust titanium;
- Osseointegration is inferior in zirconium implants vs titanium;
- Usually cost more than titanium implants;
- Gradual natural “aging” of the material can result in a reduction in strength, density, and toughness, causing micro-cracks on the surface;
- More studies and clinical trials are required to prove zirconia is equal to titanium in the never-ending zirconia implant vs titanium battle.
Pros and Cons of Titanium Implants
Pros:
- Time-tested strength, durability, and functionality (titanium has been used in dental implantology since the 1960s);
- Adequate toughness, corrosion, and wear resistance;
- Successful osseointegration;
- Rare implant fractures;
- Cost less to manufacture than zirconia implants;
- With proper care and regular teeth cleanings, these implants are typically permanent.
Cons:
- Minor risk of allergic reactions;
- Prone to corrosion in a wet environment.
If the aforementioned benefits and disadvantages seem vague, examine the comparison chart below. We’ve outlined key characteristics of the two implant materials to help you choose between zirconia implants vs titanium implants.
| Features/Implant Type | Zirconia | Titanium |
| Strength | No mechanical complications were encountered. However, zirconia is considered a more brittle material with more sensitivity to surface defects than titanium. | Withstands enormous force of jaw muscles while eating; more sturdy than zirconia. |
| Durability | Designed to last 15-25 years with proper care; more long-term studies are needed on the durability aspect. | Can last a lifetime with the right care and regular teeth cleanings. |
| Osseointegration | A promising track record with integration. | Better osseointegration than zirconia. |
| Aesthetics | White color and translucency make zirconia a winner in this respect. | The silver of the metal might cause mild discoloration through the gums. |
| Biocompatibility | Incredibly bioinert and corrosion-resistant. | Fully biocompatible with the human body. |
| Allergic reactions | Hypoallergenic, a great option for metal-free requests. | People with an allergy to metal might be at risk. |
| Success rate | Overall success rates of 92%–95% over post-procedure 2,5 to five years. | Remarkable survival rate of nearly 97% after 5 years following dental implantation. |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both biomaterials have unique advantages that might benefit patients with specific needs. For example, zirconia is a go-to choice for people with an allergy to metal and those who prioritize aesthetics. These implants are better suited for front teeth than molars. However, this option is relatively new and requires more studies in terms of lifespan and durability.
Titanium is a time-tested alternative with proven functionality, durability, and osseointegration success rates. If you don’t have an allergy to metal, this might be your permanent tooth substitute. The choice between the type of dental implants titanium vs zirconium depends on your oral health, medical history, jawbone density, and financial considerations. The result of an oral examination conducted by our dentists in Forest Hills, NY can make things clear and ease your decision-making process.
Additional Resources
- Find more about the biological, aesthetic, and physical properties of zirconia implants in Clinical Research by the National Library of Medicine.
- Reading Empirical Research on Titanium Dental Implants can help you better understand their effects on the health condition.
