Zirconium Implant

What is a Zirconium Implant?

Zirconium implant is an artificial tooth root made of zirconium oxide that is placed in the jawbone to better mimic natural teeth in the jawbone. These small screws are surgically attached to the jawbone and serve as a framework or metal post to support prosthetics that will be placed on them. The structure of zirconia is different from all previous forms of ceramic restorations used in dentistry. What sets it apart is that when its durability is compared to that of titanium implants, its hardness and resistance to fracture come to the forefront. In the field of dental aesthetics, it is often used in the treatment of missing teeth due to its strength and similarity to the original dental tissue.

What is the raw material for Zirconium Implants?

The raw materials for implants are continuously researched, and new materials are introduced to the market. The raw material for zirconium implants is zirconium oxide. This material, which is lighter than steel and harder than copper, is also stronger and more heat-resistant. Its conductivity is quite high, even at low temperatures. The fact that it is natural, durable, and compatible with jaw tissue makes zirconia one of the most important materials preferred in implant treatments. This material is used in the construction of implants after going through a unique production phase. In zirconia coatings that can be used both on teeth and implants, zirconia turns into ceramics by adding oxide. Zirconia does not cause allergic reactions, as titanium implants might. It is fully compatible with the immune system. Zirconia is also very similar to teeth in aesthetic terms. Among the advantages of zirconia is that it is more hygienic than metal.

Is there really no metal in Zirconium Implants?

Ceramic implants reinforced with zirconium do not contain metal. This material used in dentistry is known for being particularly tissue-friendly. Ceramic implants, also known as metal-free porcelain, pose no threat to your health.

What is the difference between Titanium and Zirconium Implants?

• Both materials are commonly used in dental implant treatments. Studies show that zirconium is a biocompatible material similar to titanium, and its stability is quite good.

• One of the differences between the two materials is their colors. Titanium, unlike zirconium, is silver in color, while zirconium is white. Considering these colors, it is understood that zirconium offers a more aesthetic appearance than titanium, especially in people with thin gums. The color of the used titanium may be visible under the crowns and may cause problems in achieving the perfect aesthetics of the smile.

• Zirconium implants show no allergic reactions or incompatibilities, confirmed by clinical tests. However, titanium causes an allergic reaction in 4% of patients, according to research. Allergies to titanium may be observed, even very weakly, in people with sensitive skin, allergies, and a weak immune system. For this reason, zirconium has become the first choice for patients who do not want to take any risks, even if they are very low.

• Both zirconium and titanium are corrosion-resistant. However, titanium is not as resistant to tooth wear as zirconium.

• Titanium has a longer fatigue life than zirconium. Therefore, titanium implants are more durable.

• Since zirconium is a new material in the use of dental implants, its field of application is lower than that of titanium. The rate of healthy use of zirconium implants, both one- and two-piece, is usually 92% after 1 year of functioning.

Brands of Zirconium Implants

Zirconium, which we often see in implant treatments with an increasing success rate in recent years, is produced and developed by various brands due to the growing demand. Due to this reason, the competition among brands producing zirconium has increased, bringing about higher quality. Some of the zirconium implant brands are:

• Straumann Pure

• Nobel Pearl

• Biohorizons Ceralog

• Zeramex

• CeraRoot

• Densilox

Price

As these implants are newly developed technologies, their production capacity is limited, and their research and development activities and investment costs are high. For this reason, the limited number of brands offered in the market are trying to establish a suitable position in their product portfolios, and some of these brands import products to Turkey. Implant treatments are performed in various stages and can be expensive or relatively economical depending on the choice of material and brand. Unfortunately, it is not possible to calculate the cost of treatment without knowing which type of implant you will use, bone powder, sinus surgery, or other procedures.