Acrylic vs. Zirconia Dental Implants; What Is the Final Verdict?

Our teeth are crucial to eating, talking, and smiling. We feel less like ourselves when we don’t have a full mouth of pearly whites. This article will help guide you through acrylic vs. zirconia dental implants. We review each implant process, pros, and cons so you can make a decision easier. Are you ready? Here we go:

What Are Acrylic Implants?

Acrylic dental implants are created with a liquid resin made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) that takes shape in a custom mold. Dentists use 3D imaging of your mouth to create this custom fit. Once the PMMA acrylic resin hardens, the dentist can add denture teeth on the top and attach the bridge to the implants.

What Are Zirconia Implants?

While made from zirconium dioxide, a metal composition, the zirconia implant is ceramic. So, it retains the strength of a metal-like substance while providing a completely metal-free, biocompatible base for implants. Dentists can use precision technology to cut a perfectly-sized bridge from the material and then hand-color it to match the patient’s natural teeth.

Acrylic vs. Zirconia Dental Implants; What Are the Differences?

The main difference between PMMA vs. zirconia implants is the ability to withstand normal wear and tear. PMMA acrylic implants are reported to crack, break, and become discolored from chewing food. Typically, they must be replaced every few years for the patient to enjoy them as a tooth replacement fully. Since this material stains so easily, patients must be careful to maintain the appearance with more focused cleaning regimens.

On the other hand, with a sturdier composition, zirconia can consistently withstand the pressure of chewing food. It is more resistant to fractures and chipping as well as long-term wear. Zirconia bridges can be fitted for minimal movement and stress on the implants. They also look more like natural teeth, making them more pleasing to the eye.

Why Do We Choose Zirconia?

Here are some of our top reasons for choosing zirconia vs. acrylic implants:

• Zirconia implants last longer than PMMA dental implants and are ultimately the stronger material. They are difficult to break, crack, or chip.
• Zirconia implants look natural and feel great, while PMMA dental implants can become discolored over time.
• Zirconia implants are solid (instead of porous), making them easier to clean.
• Zirconia implants do not attract bacteria or plaque, thus lowering your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, or bad breath.
• Zirconia implants can be custom fitted with CAD/CAM technology to achieve the ultimate comfort.

Which One Is Better for Me? Zirconia or acrylic implants?

The answer to this question depends on various factors in your case. Here are some of the parameters you should consider:

Your Teeth

When choosing an implant, you should know what they are against. For example, if you are selecting a bridge for your lower jaw, you should choose a material compatible with the opposing teeth in the upper jaw. Are the upper teeth acrylic, zirconia, or natural teeth?

Your Oral Health

Your dentist should consider your jawbone health before deciding on the material of your implant. They also pay attention to the root cause of tooth loss. It is important to consider why you have lost your teeth in the first place.

Your Budget

Of course, your budget plays a critical role in the decision-making too. While acrylic dental implants are less expensive, they require greater maintenance and frequent replacements. This can, in turn, save money and increase frustration. Zirconia implants are the better investment.

What Is the Final Verdict?

In this article, we discussed everything about acrylic vs. zirconia dental implants. The final verdict is your call because it depends on what you expect from your dental implants. If you want to install dental implants in Orange County, CA, we would like to introduce Aria Dental in Mission Viejo.

Dr. Maryam Horiyat, DDS., is a holistic biological dentist specially certified in ceramic implantology and can help you with every question you have on this topic. So, feel free to contact us for consultation.