Nowadays, choosing the correct material and cost for dental implants is essential. Dental implant materials must meet biological, technical, and cosmetic standards. Today, titanium and zirconia are the most common materials, each with unique oral health effects.
Titanium has been the gold standard in dental implantology for decades due to its longevity, biocompatibility, and osseointegration success. Titanium implants are ideal for long-term tooth replacement due to their durability. The material’s flexibility in manufacturing permits a two-piece design, allowing implant crown angle and position adjustment. Despite its extensive usage and success, metal allergies and the desire for more natural-looking materials have pushed some patients and clinicians to seek alternatives.
Zirconia, a novel metal-free dental implant material, is gaining popularity. Ceramic (zirconia) is biocompatible, corrosion-resistant, and metal allergy-free. Its white tone makes it look more natural and ideal for cosmetic mouth implants. One-piece zirconia implants prevent bacteria buildup between the implant and abutment but limit adjustability compared to two-piece titanium implants.
Consider osseointegration while comparing the two materials. Research and clinical evidence confirm titanium implants’ long-term jawbone integration. Zirconia has good biocompatibility and bone integration. However, it is newer and has less experience.
The surgical consequences of each material vary. Without a separate abutment, zirconia implants must be precisely placed in the jawbone. This cannot be easy in dental situations requiring angle and position modifications. Titanium implants’ adaptability can be beneficial under challenging instances or with anticipated changes.
Aesthetics often influence decisions. Zirconia’s natural tooth color can look better in patients with thin or translucent gums where a metallic implant may be apparent. However, ceramic-coated titanium implants have begun to bridge this gap, providing titanium’s strength with a tooth-like look.
Titanium is the standard due to its durability and flexibility. Still, zirconia is a potential metal-free alternative that may be better for those with metal sensitivity or higher aesthetic expectations. The decision should be made with a dental specialist, considering the patient’s unique demands, cost of dental implants, and treatment outcome.