What Are the Different Types of Dental Implant Materials?

Are you looking to improve your smile but aren’t quite sure how to do it? When most people think about improving their smile, they think about getting braces or whitening their teeth.

However, dental implants can also help you improve your smile significantly. There are several different dental implant materials, and learning about the different types of materials can help you figure out which type of implant is best for your smile.

Read this guide to learn about the different types of dental implant materials.

What are Dental Implants?

Before we talk about the best dental implant materials, we first need to answer the question, “What are dental implants?”

Dental implants are surgical components that are attached to the jawbone or skull to support another dental prosthetic, such as a crown, denture, bridge, or facial prosthetic. Essentially, they’re replacement tooth roots, acting as anchors for other orthodontic products.

They provide a permanent base for replacement teeth or newly repaired teeth. Dental implant prices can vary greatly, so we recommend checking out Affordable Dental Implants ActOn Implants to learn more about pricing.

Dental Implant Materials

For many years, nearly all dental implants were made of titanium. Nowadays, there are a variety of materials to choose from. These include:

Titanium

While there are other options, titanium still remains a very popular implant material. Titanium dental implants, which are made from metal, after long-lasting results at a reasonable price. Titanium is extremely resistant to damage, and it’s not known to cause any allergic reactions.

Another reason titanium implants are so popular is because they’re biocompatible. This means they’re a good match for the human body, and they have an inherent ability to fuse to human bones.

Titanium implants can also be manufactured in two pieces. This allows your dentist to place the implants at customized angles, which is particularly helpful when a patient has low bone volume or other biological deficiencies.

Zirconium Implants

While zirconium implants were invented after titanium implants, they’re catching up in popularity. Zirconium is a metal alloy, meaning it’s made from two types of metal.

Zirconium is made from yttrium and hafnium. When fused together, the materials closely resemble the natural color and appearance of teeth. This means that if the implants show through the gums, they’ll look completely natural. Zirconium also doesn’t absorb or transfer heat, which makes many patients feel more comfortable.

Unfortunately, because zirconium is a newer material, doctors are still unsure about the long-term success of this type of implant. Additionally, these implants aren’t recommended for those who suffer from grinding or clenching, as zirconium isn’t as durable as titanium and can crack under pressure.

Dental Implant Materials: Which is Right for You?

Now that you know about the main types of dental implant materials, it’s time to figure out which one is right for you. Consult with your dentist about which type of dental implant best suits your lifestyle.

And, check back in with our blog for more dental-related tips!

Consult with your dentist about which type of dental implant best suits your lifestyle.

And, check back in with our blog for more dental-related tips!