Zirconia Dental Implants in Irvine, CA

Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants

Both zirconia and titanium are used for dental implant treatment, but they have different characteristics.

Zirconia implants are ceramic and tooth-colored, making them appealing to patients seeking a metal-free option or additional aesthetic considerations.

Titanium implants have a long clinical history and are available in a wide range of implant designs and restorative options.

The best implant material depends on the patient’s anatomy, treatment needs, implant location, restorative plan and personal preferences.

Advancements in the dental field have led to the invention of an alternative dental implant material for those who cannot or do not wish to have titanium implanted into their jawbone.

Full Zirconia implants are a titanium implant substitute that is comprised of zirconia oxide, a metal-free substance. They are just as durable and effective as conventional titanium implants, & they do not produce any allergic reactions or pose any danger for corrosion of the material. Full zirconia implants are placed using the same technique and procedure as traditional dental implants. Patients can enjoy all of the same long term benefits of dental implants, including a healthier, more functional and more attractive smile.

How do full zirconia implants compare to traditional titanium ones?

Just like traditional dental implants, full zirconia implants are an effective dental procedure that is used to replace missing teeth, improving oral and overall health, facial structure and appearance, and overall self-confidence.

Unlike titanium implant, however, zirconia implants are more biocompatible with the body, particularly in those with metal allergies. They are slimmer in size, but stronger than titanium implants. By comparison, zirconia implants are about three times more durable than titanium implants as a result of the material’s natural flexural strength and 100% to 200% more stable as more of the gum wall lining remains intact.

Is there anything to be concerned about with full zirconia implants?

The use of zirconium oxide in the body is not new in the medical field. In fact, the non-metal material has been used as an alternative to titanium in hip implants for nearly 20 years and as tooth root replacement for around 10 years. In the last several years, crown and bridge restorations have also been made out of zirconia and have proven to be a reliable alternative to titanium implants.

Zirconia implants are not only durable in strength, but they are also able to withstand high concentrations of strong acids, so there is no risk of metallic corrosion in the gums and jawbone, which can cause serious problems in the body. Another important factor is the esthetics of this implant in the front of the mouth. This implant is tooth colored and therefore there is no gray hue that will show through the gums, making it a much better choice for the more visible areas of the mouth.