Dental implants are one of the innovative and optimal methods for a beautiful and completely new smile. Currently, when visiting a dentist, we are faced with the choice of one of two types of implants - titanium or zirconium. Titanium implants have been on the market for many years, while zirconium implants are a novelty that is gaining popularity faster and faster. How do we decide which method is more suitable for us?
Titanium implants - an investment for years
Titanium implantswere used for the first time in 1965 by the founder of modern implantology - Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Branemark. Millions of people have used this method since then.Titaniumis a material that ensures a long service life. Some patients, however, have legitimate concerns about the aesthetics of this method. Titanium is silver-gray in color, and although it might seem that it will not be visible anyway, many years of clinical observations have shown that with this method, over time, the gum line may slightly lower, which may reveal the implant. It is also worth knowing how the implant placement itself proceeds. After the implant is placed in the bone, the process of integrating the bone tissue with the titanium surface of the implant takes place. In the case of using the method of single-phase implantology, the patient after the procedure is provided with crowns or temporary bridges, which makes the procedure invisible to outsiders. In the period after the procedure, the doctor may recommend a mushy diet, during which we will have to avoid hard foods for up to several months. The procedure can be performed during one visit, and the properties of the implant mean that the treatment process does not take too long. - The prepared titanium surface of the implant is quite rough, specially etched to stimulate bone growth and accelerate healing, which allows for a significant reduction in treatment time - explains Dr. Michał Popiński from the Implamed clinic. It is also worth adding that due to their durability, titanium implants are among the most expensive dental procedures.
Zirconium implants - an alternative to titanium?
In response to the needs of patients, an alternative to titanium implants has appeared on the market for some time-zirconium implants . These implants, also known as ceramic implants, are the newest and most aesthetic form of implants used in dental clinics. The substance of the implant resembles the natural tissue of the teeth, but is more resistant to abrasion. This type of implants has remarkable mechanical properties, as well as high corrosion resistance and high biocompatibility - that is, proper bonding with bone tissue. Zirconium implants are insensitive to temperature changes in the oral cavity, as well as resistant to acidic substances. They do not affect the taste of the food you eat. They are completely safe, do not exhibit negative interactions with other materials used in dentistry and are electrically neutral. It is a single-phase method, which means that the patient leaves the dental office equipped with a tooth crown or a temporary prosthetic bridge. Then there is a rehabilitation period similar to the one that accompanies the use of titanium implants.
- The stabilization process of zirconium implants lasts 6 months in the maxilla and 3 months in the mandible, which means that between the implantological procedure and the final restoration phase of the tooth must pass from 3 to 6 months. During this period, a crown or temporary bridges are used to fill in the missing teeth. After the period of integration of the implant with the bone, the final prosthetic restoration in the form of a ceramic crown or bridge should be made - explains Dr. Michał Popiński from Implamed.
Zirconium implants are aesthetic and can be used by everyone, regardless of allergies, chronic diseases or ailments. Clinical trials conducted around the world have shown that there is a small group of people who have an allergic reaction to titanium, for whom the use of zirconium implants is the only option. Moreover, their ivory color is similar to the natural tooth color, which makes them much more natural than titanium ones, thus ensuring greater psychological comfort for the patient.
- Despite the high flexural strength and stability of zircon, it is not as universal in difficult clinical cases as the use of single-phase titanium implants - adds Dr. Michał Popiński from the Implamed clinic.
Advantages of dental implants
Both methods are completely painless using local anesthesia. They do not distort speech and are a guarantee of a "constant" smile, unlike prostheses, whose "mobility" sometimes causes a lot of stress for patients. Regardless of whether we focus on durability or aesthetics, it should be remembered that implants are not only an investment in teeth, but also in he alththe whole body. Difficulties with chewing food disappear, which results in the improvement of the digestive system. Zirconium implants also help maintain proper bone structure and face shape. It is a safe solution, and although it is not as durable as titanium, we can enjoy a beautiful smile for many years thanks to it. Before making a decision, we should consult a specialist who will indicate the optimal method for us and will take care of the safety and he alth of our smile.
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