For quite some time, titanium implants were the main choice for many dentists. Today, things are different, and zirconia dental implants are becoming the first option for dental professionals around the globe. However, it’s impossible not to wonder about the differences between the two kinds of implants and what could be a better choice. Scroll down to see how zirconia dental implants differ from their titanium counterparts and which type is superior to the other.
A brief history of Implant Materials
The history of implant materials is incredibly interesting. It all started in the 1950s when Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish researcher, studied the anatomy of blood flow. He observed the microcirculation in the rabbit’s bone tissue by attaching an optical device to the animal’s leg. This particular device was encased in a titanium chamber. Branemark later discovered the bone and the metal became practically inseparable. The term osseointegration was used to refer to the phenomenon where the human body accepts a foreign, non-biological material.
A decade later, in 1965, Branemark placed the very first titanium dental implant in a patient’s mouth. That’s when titanium became a go-to material for dental implants while cobalt-chromium and stainless steel were less frequently used.
Ceramic implants have been around for decades too. They were introduced in 1960 and were made from aluminum oxide. Later, zirconia became a frequently used dental restoration material. The use of zirconia had increased after 2000 when yttria-stabilized zirconia was developed, the most common type of zirconia used in ceramic dental implants. Another popular type of zirconia material is alumina-toughened zirconia.
How strong are zirconia implants? Are zirconia materials safe?
Zirconia implants are metal-free and incredibly strong. In fact, this solid all-ceramic material has already been widely used for the process of making bridges and crowns. Zirconia is far more superior to other ceramics in terms of fracture toughness. However, as dental professionals searched for alternative implant materials, they realized zirconia could bind to the bone just like titanium.
It’s also useful to mention zirconia dental implants are safe. Bearing that in mind that zirconia dental implants are a valid replacement for their titanium counterparts. Moreover, zirconia has non-corrosive and non-allergic properties.
Why is zirconia material more and more popular in the dental market?
Titanium material was a go-to choice for many dentists for a while. Today, zirconia is becoming more and more popular. This ever-growing popularity isn’t random, though. Zirconia dental implants are popular due to their flexural strength and white color. At the same time, their low modulus of elasticity and thermal conductivity also makes these implants the first choice among dental professionals across the globe.
People are becoming more mindful regarding their health. For that reason, they are reluctant to the idea of having a metal implant in their body. Since zirconia dental implants are non-metal, they are highly sought-after.
Are zirconia dental implants better than titanium implants?
As both titanium and zirconia dental implants are available to dentists and patients alike today, it’s impossible not to wonder what’s better for you. Zirconia dental implants are not inferior to titanium material in terms of strength and durability. Plus, they have tooth-like color and, unlike titanium implants, will not have dark color showing through the gums. In other words, zirconia implants could be more aesthetically pleasing.
Even though titanium allergy is not widely prevalent, it’s possible to develop it. Many patients feel safer and more confident knowing they don’t have a metal implant. In other words, zirconia materials provide an extra dose of security to patients.
Additionally, zirconia dental implants are associated with the decreased buildup of plaque around implants, thereby reducing infections.
Not only is zirconia material hypoallergenic, but it won’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Titanium implants do due to corrosion.
Upcera Zirconia material (Explore Esthetic)
When talking about zirconia dental implants, it’s useful to mention Upcera Zirconia material: Explore Esthetic. Essentially, Explore Esthetic is a gradient technology multilayer zirconia with outstanding strength and translucency.
Available in a wide range of shades, this zirconia material has a translucency of 47-48.8%. The excellent quality of the material ensures natural and durable results.
Conclusion
Zirconia dental implants have become widely popular, and Upcera offers the best material for your needs. This zirconia is strong and provides natural-looking results. As people are becoming more health-conscious, we can expect the popularity of zirconia to become even higher.
