Metal-free Zirconia Implants

It is no longer necessary to implant surgical metallic titanium or any other metal to have fixed teeth and experience obstruction of energy flow through the body’s meridians; metal-free zirconia implants are the best solution for metallic surgical implant dentistry and a viable alternative for everyone with a missing tooth, especially for those who are not comfortable with or are not able to tolerate metal implants in their mouths.

Unlike conventional metallic titanium implants that could cause metal allergy, metal-free ceramic zirconia dental implants are free from risks of toxic metal allergy, hypersensitivity, corrosion, and inflammation. For instance, hypersensitivity induced by metallic titanium can lead to symptoms of implant rejection. Thus, the zirconia implants not only have superior soft-tissue response and biocompatibility but also pose no threat and cause no harm to your body.

The exact composition of Titanium alloys varies depending on the specific metal present in addition to titanium. Titanium implants can contain Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Tin, Vanadium, Molybdenum, Zirconium, Niobium, Zinc, Tungsten, Nickel, and many other metals. Ceramic zirconia implants contain only zirconium oxide which has no metal property and no metallic taste.

Unlike metal alloyed titanium implants, ceramic implants do contain any metal; thus, there is no corrosion. As a bio insert and biocompatible material, zirconia will never break down and migrate to other sites in the body or interfere with the maintenance of optimal health.

The flexural strength of the Zirconia dental implant, which is the amount of stress a material can take on when it’s flexing from applied pressure before it breaks is close to 1200 MPa (megapascals).

Zirconia implants have proven high level of osseointegration (meaning to provide optimum integration with the bone), confirmed in numerous studies in Germany and the United States, although not as high as Titanium.

Perhaps the most distinctive yet simple difference between titanium and ceramic implants is the color. The white color of zirconia substitutes the metallic appearance of titanium; it mimics the natural teeth, and it allows a more natural gum line. These properties are more apparent in patients with a thin or delicate soft tissue biotype or cases of soft tissue recession. Thus, no more dark line around the gum appears with metal-free zirconia implants as it appears in titanium implants, especially in the anterior region.

Research shows that ceramic implants and crowns have a low affinity for attracting and retaining plaques and calculus as well as less bacterial colonization and adhesion than titanium due to its non-polar structure, therefore, zirconia implants promote healthier gums and less gum recession or shrinkage.

The one-piece design of ceramic zirconia implants gained popularity because they had no prosthetic connection, thus, there is almost no likelihood of proliferating harmful bacteria growth. In titanium implants, the site where the prosthetic connects with the abutment and post is usually prone to harmful bacterial growth leading to implant failure.

With traditional titanium implants, the gum never grows onto the metal. This situation leaves the “immunological gateway” always open, which ultimately allows bacteria to invade more easily. In contrast, with metal-free zirconia implants, gum grows onto the ceramic and seals off the “immunological gateway.”

Ceramic implants which has an excellent biocompatibility, great biomechanical properties, and low affinity to plaque do not corrode when place into a wet environment like a mouth or when fluoride is added. Zirconia implants are about three times more durable than titanium implant as a result of the material’s natural flexural strength.

Metal-free Zirconia dental implants are designed so that they can possibly be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. This one-stage surgery reduces the amount of time it takes to place the implants to maximize our patients’ comfort. A less invasive surgery also results in shorter recovery time and less pain during in the days to follow the procedure.

With conventional titanium implants, micro gaps may be present after the metal implant has been surgically placed underneath the gum line. However, the zirconia implant has virtually no micro gap and creates a more seamless surgical placement because of its one-piece design.

Zirconia implant does not have a galvanic shock or battery effect on your body and brain wavelength (no electricity or heat). However, some studies have reported that titanium implant has a galvanic reaction that occurs after it comes in contact with saliva and fluoride.

Zirconia implants are manufactured by only few high reputable USA and Switzerland companies; titanium implants are manufactured by more than 100 companies in the world with different level of quality and standards.