Making the decision to get dental implants is a step toward improving your smile and enhancing your overall quality of life. Missing teeth can often be taxing for patients who desire a full, bright smile. Since smiling can often release positive hormones, feeling as though you have to hide your smile is not the final option.
Dental implants have been around for decades. Throughout the years, dental professionals have tested varying materials in attempt to discover the most natural and comfortable option. In modern day dentistry, most professionals rely on titanium alloys. Over 95 percent of the implants today involve titanium alloys, making it a top pick amongst everyday dentists.
However, individuals may be concerned with introducing foreign metals into their body. Because many patients have concerns regarding titanium in the body, zirconium – typically referred to as ceramic – came to be another viable option for the procedure. Those who have a sensitivity or allergy to metal are the best candidates for zirconia implants. Although there are metal components within zirconium oxide (ZrO2), the implant is far less metallic than titanium alloys.
Why consider zirconia?
- Biocompatible materials
- Fuses to bone similarly to titanium
- White, opaque appearance
- No corrosion
- Thermally non-conductive
- No prosthetic connections to foster bacteria
- Better compatibility with existing tissue
- Lack of allergy risk for titanium-sensitive patients
Zirconia implants are not only the safer option, but many claim zirconia implants provide enhanced comfort, aesthetic appearance and long-term durability overall the traditional titanium alloy[2]. In addition, the operation time is much shorter with zirconia implants since they are designed to implant immediately following tooth extraction. The pain and discomfort following the procedure is also said to be minimized as compared with titanium implants.
If you’re interested in switching to a more holistic, health-friendly alternative to traditional dental implants, Assure A Smile offers zirconia implants in our South Florida office. To discuss zirconia implants with Dr. Herrmann, DDS, schedule your next appointment online or contact our front desk at 305-274-0047.
[2] http://www.ceraroot.com/patients/zirconia-vs-titanium/
