Dental implants are the most secure and long-lasting tooth replacement option, but not all dental implants are created equal.
Some implants are meant to replace a single tooth from crown to root, while others are meant to support a complete arch of replacement teeth.
However, there is another obvious point to consider while investigating restoration alternatives for dental implants: the material used to create them.
Traditional dental implants are manufactured with titanium screws and abutments and covered with a porcelain crown, although zirconia implants are becoming popular. Here is a quick rundown of alternatives to help you determine which is right for you.
Also Read: Teeth in a Day: All You Wanted to Know
Zirconia Dental Implants
Because zirconia is a ceramic material, zirconia dental implants are also known as ceramic dental implants.
Dental implants fabricated of zirconia are equally as biocompatible as titanium implants, and there is essentially no difference in bone-fusing effectiveness and recovery durations between the two materials.
The key distinction is that zirconia implants are made up of two parts: a combined screw and abutment, as well as a crown on top.
Zirconia implants need a higher level of competence to install and are more prone to cracking or fracturing. They, however, provide several advantages, including:
- For people who are allergic to metals, this is an excellent option.
- Plaque buildup surrounding the implant is reduced.
- Corrosion resistance
How much do zirconia dental implants cost?
Zirconia implants are costly and may cost somewhere between $1000 and $2500. It all depends on the condition of your mouth and the location of the implant inside your mouth. Sometimes your physical location and the experience of your dentist may also contribute to the cost.
Which are more expensive: titanium dental implants or zirconia?
Zirconia implants cost more than titanium implants. However, they offer design superiority over titanium. That is why many patients prefer them to titanium implants even though they do not survive as long as titanium implants.
Also Read: Full Mouth Dental Implants: Costs and Procedure
Titanium Dental Implants
For decades, titanium has been utilized to rebuild a tooth’s root. It has been the favored material since the 1960s because it is strong and merges perfectly with bone.
The implant post, the abutment, and the restoration are the three parts of a titanium implant. The post is first surgically implanted into the jawbone.
An abutment is inserted into the healed bone to link your custom-made prosthesis. Your jaw will fuse to the post to ensure a firm attachment to support your new tooth.
Titanium is generally less expensive than ceramic and is much more resistant to cracking and fractures. As a result, it may be a budget-friendly option.
How long do titanium dental implants last?
Titanium implants are designed to last a lifetime. However, they may last only 5 to 15 years if not cared for properly. They often require replacement due to this reason or that.
According to a paper published in 2015 in the Journal of Oral Implantology, some implants may fail even in the first year of the treatment. Implants may fail for many reasons, including the following:
- bone level
- plaque
- mucosa condition
According to these researchers, TiUnite implants showed a higher survival rate among the implants studied.
TiUnite is a Nobel Biocare dental implant product. It has an anodized surface and does not require heavy maintenance.
Most trusted manufacturers of titanium implants
- Nobel Biocare
- Zimmer Biomet
- Straumann
- Dentsply Sirona
- Bicon
- MegaGen
- BioHorizons
Also Read: Gum Grafting: Costs, Procedure, and Benefits
Ceramics Dental Implants
Ceramic implants are a relatively new type of implant. They have only been employed in the United States since 2009.
They are only composed of one piece. Inserting them requires greater care. Patients with metal sensitivity are frequently prescribed ceramic posts.
Ceramic implants are FDA-approved and have a high survival rate.
Even though they are more expensive than titanium, they have a more natural appearance since there is no black ring along the gum line.
Porcelain Dental Implants
A dental implant consists of various components, one of which is the prosthetic tooth. This component of the dental implant is typically built of porcelain, similar to dental crowns.
Because of its natural appearance and ease of eating and speaking, its color nearly approaches that of genuine teeth.
Each person’s smile is unique, each dental implant will be created to match the patient’s natural teeth. Because dentists are trained to match a porcelain tooth’s scale, shape, and shade to a natural tooth, differentiating between the two should be practically difficult.
Porcelain Implants: Facts
- Porcelain implants last up to 15 years.
- Porcelain offers a more realistic implant solution than titanium and zirconia.
- Their costs vary from $1,000 to $3,000.
- They are not as strong as zirconia or titanium implants.
Sources:
Also from SupreDent
