Types of Dental Implant Materials
Dental Implant Materials
As one of the most advanced and effective methods of replacing lost teeth, dental implants play a key role in maintaining oral health and improving the quality of life.
This innovative method uses titanium fixtures that are permanently placed in the jawbone and act as a strong base for artificial teeth (crowns).
Unlike traditional methods such as artificial teeth, fixed and removable prostheses, and bridges, dental implants establish a natural bond with the jawbone and effectively fill the empty root space of missing teeth.
This natural bond helps maintain the health of the jaw bone, prevents its degradation, and generally prevents structural and aesthetic problems.
Table of Contents
Tooth Implant Materials
Dental implants are divided into two categories: Titanium and Zirconium
In fact, with the passage of time and the progress that we see every day, dental implant methods are also reaching the best ideal condition for placing in the teeth.
Titanium metal has high resistance, strength, and biocompatibility, but zirconia implants are used if a person is allergic to metal.
Other Materials (Less Common)
- Tantalum: Known for its strength and biocompatibility, it is less commonly used due to higher costs.
- Polymer Composites: Experimental materials that may be used in specific cases but need long-term data on titanium and zirconia.
What Material Are Implants Made Of?
Titanium Implants
The most common type of implant is titanium, although nowadays, this product is not made of pure titanium; it is made of titanium alloys.
This metal is entirely compatible with the human body and poses no risk to human health.
Titanium has the unique property that the jawbone grows alongside it without any problems; that is, there is a permanent bond between the titanium and the bone.
In addition to the biocompatibility of titanium, this metal is also affordable in terms of price.
Zirconium Implants
Unlike titanium, which has been used in dentistry for a long time, zirconia implants are the newest material to enter the dental implant industry.
Many patients worry about putting metal in their bodies and being allergic to it, but zirconium metal has solved this problem forever. Zirconia is also used to make dental bridges and crowns; its material is tough and strong.
This material also fuses very well with the jawbone. The only drawback to zirconium implants is that they have yet to be tested as much as titanium due to their short history.
However, zirconia dental implants have two significant advantages over titanium implants:
- No dark color is seen in the gums.
- While zirconia offers excellent durability, it is less ductile than titanium, making it more prone to fracture under extreme pressure.
Dental Implant Material Comparison
The difference between zirconium and titanium implants
Titanium and zirconia are used to make the implant base, but they also have differences, and many of our clients want to know which types of dental implants are better.
Many dental implant specialists say titanium is a better metal, but why?
- The titanium implant system has two parts, the first of which is a separate abutment placed on the implant and connected to the replacement tooth.
The second part is the part that is implanted in the bone during surgery. Zirconia does not have this capability, as it is produced in a single system and monolithic design. - Titanium is the best material for making dental implants because it is biocompatible; that is, it matches precisely the physical conditions of the human body and fuses well with the jaw bone.
- Since the titanium coating has a two-part system, it is also a good choice for people with weak jaw bones who can plant teeth without bone grafting.
- Zirconia dental implant material combines post and abutment and makes a unit. This results in the reduction of bacteria and their effect on the gums.
Despite this good advantage, zirconia and their ceramic designs are still not fully appreciated because they have not been around for a long time, and not many tests have been done.
| Features | Titanium | Zirconia |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Metallic gray | Tooth-colored white |
| Biocompatibility | Very high | Very high |
| Durability | Extremely durable | Durable but more brittle |
| Allergy Potential | Rare sensitivity | Non-allergenic |
| Bone Fusion | Excellent | Excellent, less studied |
| Aesthetic | Moderate | Very high |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very high | Very high |
| Applications | Two-piece systems | One-piece systems |
| Cost | Affordable | Higher |
| Usage Frequency | Most common | Increasing |
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Dental Implant Bone Graft Material
What Is Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?
Medical professionals call bone grafting a multi-purpose surgery. It can strengthen the bone or help it grow where deficiencies exist.
The first step is to introduce a graft material, which stimulates the formation of new bone tissue and guarantees the implant’s strong and well-anchored structure.
Types of Bone Graft Materials
There are four main categories for bone graft materials:
- Autografts: Bone harvested from the patient’s body, offering high biocompatibility but requiring an additional surgical site.
- Allografts: Human donor bone, processed for safety, avoids a second surgical site but has minimal disease transmission risks.
- Xenografts: Animal-derived bone, commonly bovine, with high availability but potential ethical concerns.
- Synthetic Grafts: Man-made materials like calcium phosphate, customizable but lacking natural osteogenic properties.
How to Choose the Right Bone Graft Material
The choice depends on factors such as the extent of bone loss, patient health, cost, and personal preferences.
One key factor to consider for healthy bone grafting is whether a bone graft from a patient’s mouth will work after the doctors’ advice and a proper visit to the clinic.
The Future of Bone Graft Materials
Tissue engineering, growth factors, and 3D-printed scaffolds are fast-changing the face of bone grafting, and by doing so, they are committing to a substantial increase in patient results and shortening recovery time.
Types of Implant Cover
Implant cover or prosthesis is the most important part of implant beauty. These covers are custom-made for each laboratory.
Types of crowns and implant covers include:
- PFM: the combination of metal and porcelain and the most cost-effective
- Zirconia: all ceramics made of zirconium oxide with beauty and reasonable cost
- Imax (e-max): all ceramic made of lithium disilicate and the most expensive implant coating
Comparison of types of implant covers in terms of gender
Of course, below is a table of the types of dental implant veneers, along with the features and benefits of each type.
| Type | Description | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia (Solid) | Highly natural appearance, suitable for molars. | High strength, long-lasting, natural look | Highly resistant to pressure and wear, ideal for molars |
| Zirconia (Semi-Translucent) | More natural-looking than solid zirconia, ideal for front teeth. | High aesthetics, natural translucency | Excellent aesthetics and matches natural teeth, perfect for front teeth |
| Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) | Made of metals like titanium or chromium, covered with a porcelain layer. | Good durability, affordable | Strong and cost-effective, suitable for posterior teeth |
| Resin Composite | Made of resin and filler materials, the cheapest type of crown. | Low cost, quick production | Affordable, suitable for temporary use |
| Gold | The most durable crown material, rarely used due to high cost. | Extremely durable, unique aesthetic | Highly resistant and long-lasting, ideal for those seeking a distinctive look |
| Emax | Offers a very natural look and made of ceramic materials. | High aesthetics, resistant to sensitivity | Natural appearance, resistant to fractures, ideal for front teeth |
| Peek | Natural-looking, made from fracture-resistant polymer materials. | High durability, natural appearance | Durable and resistant to fractures, ideal for posterior teeth and special cases |
Types of Implant Abutment
The dental abutment is one of the components of the dental implant, which is an interface between the cover and the base of the implant and connects the two.
Types of implant abutment include:
- Titanium: the most common type of abutment
- Zirconia: For people who are allergic to metal.
- Graded: for conditions with graded implant base
- No grade: normal abutments
| Type of Implant Connection | Implant Placement Timing | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Implants with Screw Connection | Typically in the second stage after bone fusion | Allows detachment of the crown for repairs and maintenance |
| Implants with Cement Connection | After the initial healing period (3 to 6 months) | The crown is attached to the abutment with cement, offering a more natural appearance |
| Hybrid connection Implants | After placement and healing (typically 3 to 6 months) | Combines screw and cement connections for enhanced durability and ease of maintenance |
| Magnetic Implants | After placement and bone fusion (typically 3 to 6 months) | Uses magnetic force to connect the crown to the abutment, simplifying replacement and maintenance |
Conclusion
Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for replacing missing teeth, offering durability, functionality, and aesthetics that closely resemble natural teeth.
With advancements in materials such as titanium and zirconia, patients now have versatile options to suit their unique needs and preferences.
Titanium remains the gold standard due to its proven track record and biocompatibility, while zirconia provides a metal-free alternative for those prioritizing aesthetics or with metal sensitivities.
Choosing the right implant type depends on various factors, including bone structure, aesthetic priorities, and budget.
Consultation with an experienced dental professional ensures a personalized treatment plan that delivers long-term satisfaction and oral health benefits.
At Beach Cities Dentistry, we are committed to providing cutting-edge implant solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Schedule your consultation today to restore your smile with confidence!
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