Zirconia and ceramic dental implants are alternatives to traditional titanium dental implants. They are made from biocompatible materials that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth and can be used to replace missing or damaged teeth. But unlike traditional implants, zirconia and ceramic versions are made from tooth-colored materials instead of silver ones.
DFW Zirconia and Ceramic Dental Implants
Zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide, is a strong and durable ceramic material that has been used in the medical field for many years. It is white in color and has a similar appearance to natural teeth, making it a popular choice for dental implants in the front of your mouth. It can also be used where gum tissue is thin or receding, and the implant might be more visible.
Ceramic dental implants are similar to zirconia implants in that they are made from a biocompatible ceramic and are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. However, ceramic implants are typically made from a slightly different type of material which is also hard and highly resistant to wear.
Both of these materials are frequently used to create custom crowns, bridges, and dental veneers.
Why Choose a Tooth-Colored Dental Implant?
There are several reasons why some people choose zirconia or ceramic dental implants over traditional titanium implants. One reason is that they are more aesthetically pleasing, as they are white in color and blend in seamlessly with the other teeth. This is particularly important for people who are replacing more visible front teeth or who are concerned about the possible appearance of any visible metal.
Like titanium, zirconia and ceramic implants are biocompatible, meaning that they do not cause any allergic response or other adverse reactions in the body. This is important for people who may be allergic to certain materials or have an extreme reaction to metals or certain types of metal jewelry. Be sure to let our DFW implant specialists know if you have a metal allergy, as we will want to take that into consideration whenever we create your treatment plan.
Should I Get Ceramic Implants?
In most cases, traditional titanium dental implants are more than sufficient for most patients. However, zirconia and ceramic dental implants are always available as options for those patients who have unique situations or who prefer the aesthetics and biocompatibility of these materials. If you are considering dental implants, it is important to discuss your choices with a qualified dental professional who can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
During your treatment planning process, we’ll discuss the implant design options available and determine the best one for your smile. Most people do well with traditional titanium implants. Other popular alternative designs include mini dental implants and zygomatic dental implants, both of which work well for non-traditional implant candidates.
Once you have your treatment plan ready, we’ll walk through the additional information you’ll want to consider, such as financing and insurance benefits.
Will My Dental Implants Be Visible?
Zirconia and ceramic dental implants were specifically designed to offer an aesthetic or cosmetic alternative over traditional titanium implants. Even though titanium is a silver-colored metal, it’s completely submerged in your bone and gum tissue. That means people shouldn’t be able to see it whenever you’re smiling or talking. But there are instances where someone might have thin gums or bone, where the shadow of a silver material is more noticeable. In those scenarios, our DFW implant specialists might want to discuss ceramic or zirconia designs instead. While these scenarios are rare, it’s good to have a backup plan for more unique circumstances. Partnering with a team of experts ensures you have all the different options at your disposal rather than feeling locked into one specific type of treatment.
Ceramic and Zirconia Implants are Shaped Differently
Traditional dental implant “teeth” are made up of three sections: the implant, an abutment, and a crown or other restoration on top of it. The abutment is the piece that connects the visible tooth portion to the actual implant. It’s usually installed about three months after the implant is placed, once the integration process is complete.
But ceramic and zirconia implants usually consist of two parts: the implant and the restoration. Most of these implants do not have a separate abutment, as the abutment is already built into the implant. Because they are made from ceramic materials, it’s best to have the laboratory create the entire prosthesis at once. This step eliminates the need to connect two separate pieces of ceramic to one another. Then once the implant is integrated, the restoration is cemented on top of it. Since the entire structure is tooth-colored, there is zero risk of any visible metal whenever you smile.
Better Than Dentures or Bridges
Regardless of which type of implant design you choose, implants provide a non-invasive restoration that is better for the rest of your smile. We won’t have to reshape or cut down adjacent tooth enamel like you would with getting a fixed bridge. And no metal clasps are wrapped around teeth to hold them into place. Investing in implants gives you the most natural, functional, lifelike alternative to replacing missing teeth.
Implant durability and long-term maintenance are the next best thing to having anatomical teeth all over again. That’s just one reason why investing in dental implants is the best thing anyone can do if they have missing teeth, regardless of whether they choose a tooth-colored ceramic or zirconia design.
Best Types of Dental Implants
At ARCHPOINT, our DFW implant specialists will discuss your concerns one-on-one and offer their expert advice when it comes to restoring your smile. Since our dentists are experts in dental implantology, we can provide a wider range of implant designs and techniques, giving you more options to choose from to fit your situation. From single-tooth ceramic implants to full-arch reconstruction, there’s truly something for everyone.
Contact ARCHPOINT today to reserve a dental implant consultation at our office in Dallas or Ft. Worth.
