If you want to replace your teeth, dental implants areunarguably the best option. However, there are two types of dental implants: titanium and zirconia. So, which one of these implants is better?
Let's find out.
TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS
Most people are familiar with titanium implants. These are the most common types of dental implants used. Titanium is a hypoallergenic material that is light-weight, strong, anti-corrosion, and non-toxic.
Dental implants made with titanium have a decades-long lifespan. In addition, titanium can fuse to your bone tightly which increases the stability of the implant.
ZIRCONIA DENTAL IMPLANTS
As compared to titanium implants, zirconia implants are still in their experimental phase and are not currently used by dentists. When the metal zirconium is crystallized, it stops being metal and turns into zirconium. For people who are concerned about placing metals in their bodies, zirconia dental implants may be good options.
Zirconia is also hypoallergenic and does not seep into a person's bloodstream.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN TITANIUM AND ZIRCONIA DENTAL IMPLANTS
Here are some of the main factors that can help you decide which dental implant option you prefer.
Osseointegration
Both titanium and zirconia are biocompatible materials and can easily integrate with human bone. Titanium implants have been proven to have a very high success rate of 88% to 98% depending on the place where it is positioned. In contrast, zirconia implants are still being studies. Some older versions of these implants have fractured; however, research is still ongoing for improved zirconia implants.
Ease of Placement
Titanium implants are easy to place if you have a strong and healthy jawbone. If you do not, you can still have an implant surgery if you first undergo a bone augmentation procedure, which is minimally invasive.
As for zirconia implants, surgeries are more complicated. These implants are comprised of a single component — unlike titanium implants that have multiple components – which makes it difficult to place under the gum or tilt at a certain angle.
Strength
Titanium implants are very strong and can resist corrosion and fractures. Zirconia is also very hard and strong. However, it has lower elasticity than titanium and is more prone to micro-fractures than zirconia.
As you can see, both these dental implants offer various benefits to people. At Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Robert Stover and can help you decide which type of dental implant is more suited to you. Call us at (360) 339-4944 to schedule an appointment today.