At Advanced Dental Artistry, we believe in transparency and patient education, which is why we want to address one of the most common questions we get: ‘What are dental implants made of?’
We’ll explore the materials used in dental implants, how they work, and why investing in high-quality implants offers the best long-term solution for your oral health.
The basics: What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support one or more replacement teeth. They’ve been a trusted solution for over 50 years and are considered the best fixed, long-term alternative to dentures.
Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking replacement that integrates seamlessly into your jawbone.
Unlike dentures, which rely on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants fuse directly with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This means they function much like natural teeth, maintaining the integrity of your jawbone and preventing bone loss or facial collapse, which can often occur with traditional dentures.
What materials are used in dental implants?
A dental implant is typically made of three main parts:
- The implant post (root) is inserted into the jawbone.
- The abutment connects the implant post to the crown.
- The crown (the visible part of the tooth) sits above the gumline.
The materials used in these components are specially chosen for their strength, durability, and biocompatibility, ensuring that the implant is both safe and effective for long-term use.
Titanium alloy
Titanium is the most commonly used material for the implant post, or the rod that acts as the artificial root.
Titanium has been a staple in medical procedures for decades due to its strength, lightweight, and exceptional biocompatibility. This means that the body is highly unlikely to reject titanium, and it integrates well with bone through osseointegration, providing a strong foundation for the replacement tooth.
Pros of titanium implants:
- Durability: Titanium is incredibly strong and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting over many years.
- Biocompatibility: Titanium is non-toxic and unlikely to cause allergic reactions, making it safe for long-term use in the body.
- Proven success: Titanium implants have a track record of success, with high lasting rates even after 10 years of use.
However, some patients seek an alternative to titanium for various reasons, such as metal sensitivities. This is where ceramic (zirconia) implants come into play.
Ceramic (Zirconia)
In recent years, ceramic implants made from zirconia have emerged as a popular alternative to titanium. These metal-free implants offer excellent biocompatibility and are a safe choice for patients seeking a natural, durable solution.
Pros of ceramic implants:
- Biocompatibility: Zirconia implants are highly biocompatible, ensuring they integrate well with the bone and are safe for long-term use.
- Metal-free: Zirconia is an ideal choice for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities, providing a non-metallic alternative without compromising strength or durability.
- Strength and Durability: Zirconia offers a strong, resilient option for dental implants, ensuring lasting performance with minimal risk of complications.
While ceramic implants have gained popularity, titanium remains the gold standard due to its extensive research, proven performance, and lower fracture risk compared to ceramic alternatives.
Porcelain crowns
The crown, or the visible part of the implant, is typically made of porcelain. Porcelain is favoured for its ability to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, both in colour and translucency.
Each dental crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and shade of your existing teeth, ensuring a natural and seamless fit.
Benefits of porcelain crowns:
- Natural appearance: Porcelain crowns are designed to look like real teeth, providing a highly aesthetic result.
- Stain resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining from foods, drinks, and smoking, helping your smile stay bright over time.
- Durability: Porcelain is strong enough to withstand the normal forces of chewing and biting.
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we use only the highest quality porcelain for our crowns, ensuring that your dental implant functions well and looks beautiful for years to come.
Why material choice matters
The materials used in your dental implants directly affect their success, longevity, and how natural they look and feel. At Advanced Dental Artistry, we prioritise quality in every aspect of our treatments, which is why we use Nobel Biocare and Straumann dental implants—one of the most trusted and researched implant systems in the world.
Nobel Biocare implants are made from titanium with a TiUnite surface designed to promote faster and more reliable osseointegration. These implants have a documented survival rate of over 99% after one year and 95.1% after ten years. This high level of success is backed by more than 50 years of research, making them one of the best choices for long-term dental health.
Are dental implants safe?
Absolutely. Dental implants are made from medical-grade materials that are thoroughly tested for safety and biocompatibility. Both titanium and ceramic implants have been used in medical and dental applications for decades, with extensive clinical research demonstrating their safety and effectiveness.
However, as with any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery does carry some inherent risks. These may include infection, nerve damage, sinus issues (in some cases), and complications related to the healing process. It’s important to discuss these risks with your dentist beforehand so you can make an informed decision based on your unique health profile.
At our clinic, we ensure that each patient is fully informed about the materials used in their treatment. We use only the highest quality implants, ensuring that your investment in your smile is both safe and long-lasting.
What are the long-term benefits of dental implants?
While dental implants may require a higher initial investment than other tooth replacement options, they offer unmatched benefits in the long run:
- Durability: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Natural function: Implants feel and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
- Bone preservation: Implants help prevent bone loss and maintain the structure of your face, unlike dentures which can contribute to bone deterioration over time.
The role of dental implants in full mouth reconstruction
Dental implants play a key role in full mouth reconstruction, especially when combined with other restorative treatments like porcelain veneers to create a fully bespoke solution.
At Advanced Dental Artistry, full mouth reconstruction is a highly personalised service, tailored to each patient’s unique dental needs and aesthetic goals.
This approach often involves using dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore functionality, while veneers enhance the appearance of remaining teeth, ensuring a balanced, natural-looking smile.
By integrating these treatments, we create a comprehensive plan that not only restores the health and function of your teeth but also delivers a beautiful, long-lasting result.
Ready for a lasting smile? Contact us to learn more about dental implants
If you’re considering dental implants and have more questions about the materials or the implant procedure itself, our team at Advanced Dental Artistry is here to help.
Our team is highly experienced in implant dentistry ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care throughout their treatment journey.
Whether you’re addressing a single missing tooth or undergoing a full mouth reconstruction, we combine our knowledge with the latest innovations to provide results that are both functional and aesthetically stunning. At Advanced Dental Artistry, you’re in great hands, and we’re committed to helping you achieve a smile with longevity.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a durable, natural-looking smile.