Dentistry has witnessed major advancements in implantation technology with the implementation of material science. A compatible and aesthetically fitting implant fills the gap of a missing tooth. This has marked the emergence of zirconia and other metal implants. Let’s discuss more on zirconia dental implants and its significance in dental restorations.
What is Zirconia?
Zirconia in other words zirconium dioxide (zro2) which is naturally found in its mineral known as baddeleyite. Zirconia is known as a high-end refractory and is produced from Zircon synthetically. It is basically crystalline in nature. Zirconia can work at higher temperature and offers good corrosion and chemical resistance. Zirconium dioxide is
Advanced zirconia ceramics are generally biocompatible in nature. This nature of zirconia is the prime reason for the replacement of alumna in prosthetic devices. Zirconia ceramic offers good mechanical stability and is super hard.
Introduction of Zirconia implants and gaining popularity
Cubic zirconia dental implants or zirconium dioxide implants are different from conventional ceramic based dental restorations. Zirconia dental implants prevailed in industry due to the form and strength they offer over metallic implants. They offer excellent dental aesthetics which is a prime reason for its popularity.
Biomedical applications: It took 150 years to introduce durable dental zirconia. The stabilization of zirconia with the help of magnesia and Yttria has offered superior crack resistance. On the other hand, modern Zirconia has emerged as human tissue friendly. The screwing and fixing of its implant to jawbone hence became easy due to this nature.
One piece zirconia: The year 2005, marked the usage of one-piece zirconia. It was devoid of any adjacent connections which was one major reason of its popular usage. Zirconia also helped in offering good health for the gums with no chances of bacterial infections. Either titanium or zirconium-based implant material became the choice of dentists from there on.
Allergy of metal: Some people cannot bear fusion of a metal with bone due to severe allergy. Ceramic dental implants have been a better alternative for people suffering from metal allergy. Of which zirconia gained importance with the manufacture of bridges and crowns.
Why is Zirconia prosthesis popular?
As earlier mentioned, Zirconia is durable and is known for its chemical stability. Zirconia dental implants are preferred by patients due to its appealing look and hypoallergic nature. Many holistic dental implants recommend zirconia since they serve as a reliable option in today’s dentistry. They are durable and lasts for longer period which is of importance.
Biocompatibility is another prime factor that makes zirconia popular in dental implants. The root replacement devoid of any metal presence is possible with zirconium dioxide. Zirconia dental implants have lesser plaque retention and are compatible with soft tissues. Zirconia easily fuses with bones which helped full mouth reconstructions that are stable.
With Zirconia dental implants there is less instance of gum discoloration or related difficulties . Zirconia doesn’t corrode or migrate to any parts of the body. Hence performed as a better alternative for conventional titanium metal implantations.
Pic: Zirconia dental implant before and after
Zirconia implants vs Titanium
Dentists started using titanium since 60’s with a success rate of 90 percent or more. It has been popular as an ideal dental material since many years . The strength of titanium is high with lesser weight which is why they gained popularity in prosthesis. Despite of titanium being popular and easily available, what makes zirconia preferable, let us discuss.
Appearance and Aesthetics
- The appealing white color of zirconia is often regarded as one reason that makes zirconia preferred our titanium teeth. Zirconia material can match the color of the natural teeth which makes it a popular material for the restoration of front tooth.
- Titanium teeth can sometime result showing a metallic color that spoils the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Four patients having higher sensitivity titanium teeth can sometime cause discoloration of the gums and result bacterial infections.
- Titanium implants can also be used in coordination with ceramic crowns. However, matching the natural color of the tooth might be a concern with titanic metal.
Strength and Durability
- Răng sứ Zirconia implants offer good fracture resistance. It offers moderate tensile strength that is suitable for dental application.
- Titanium tooth offers higher strength and longer lifespan than that of Zirconia. It can withstand varying bite force more efficiently. Titanium teeth also adapt well to the pressure differences.
- In terms of durability titanium tops the list. It resists corrosions and are chemically inert. Titanium also ensures longevity to the implant whereas Zirconia offers moderate durability and lifespan.
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- Zirconia implants are biocompatible in nature. It also ensures that there is no or little bacterial infection
- Titanium implants are well received by human body. The surface properties of titanium help the bones and tissues grow which holds the implant firm on the gums.
Zirconia dental implant problems
Zirconia dental implant also suffers challenges. Difficulties are with the one-piece model that differ from the two-piece model of titanium with root and crown. The one-piece model of zirconia dental implant has problems with the abutment position. The right placement of the implant in between the surrounding tooth is relatively hard.
Pic: A 2-piece Zirconia dental implant in the maxilla is shown. The implant connection clearly shows the challenge of fixing.
The titanium dental implants are very easy to place and provides cemented bottom of utmost rigidity. Currently the two-piece zirconia model is also available in the market. This has taken off the difficulty of fixing it right to the gum bottom. The other shortcomings of zirconia dental implants are detailed in the ensuing section.
Zirconia implants side effects
- The rigidity and strength of zirconia dental implants degrades upon usage. For instance, two-piece dental implants loosen up with time.
- A misplaced zirconia dental implant can create issues with the alignment of other teeth. Some dental conditions aroused due to the placement of implants cannot be cured.
- Complications of zirconia implants are irritation of the gum, sensitive gum, loosening up of bottom, fractures and chipping of veneer.
- For zirconia dental implants one such down vote comes with the opaque nature of the ceramic. It offers limited translucency. Enhancements of the appearance of zirconia is done by choosing a layered model that compromises the rigidity.
- The smoothness of zirconia is often a problem for the conventional etching process. The solid zirconia hence would require a different preparation process.
Zirconia dental implants cost
Zirconia dental implants are costlier when compared with titanium implants. There are variety of reasons behind the expensive nature of zirconia implants. One reason for their expensive nature is the manufacturing method. Other is the expertise required for the ceramic based implant surgery.
A single titanium implant has a cost range from $1000 to $7000. However, zirconia implants price is higher in the range of $1500 to $7000. About $15,000 to $50,000 is the estimated price of a full mouth zirconia implant.
Final Remarks
In terms of cost and performance, zirconia dental implants outsmart any other implant material such as titanium. It doesn’t pose corrosion and is a great relief for people who suffers from metal allergy. The stabilization of zirconia ceramic has also improved the strength, appearance and durability of the dental material.