White zirconia implants
White zirconia implants - a modern alternative in implantology
- Are zirconia implants for me? - ask Unident Union® Wrocław patients interested in the latest technological solutions. They wonder whether white zirconia implants are better than classic titanium implants, which have the longest, documented use in implantology. Find out the facts and see if zirconia implants are for you.
At Unident Union® Wrocław, we know why zirconia implants are gaining in popularity. Primarily because white implants are made from zirconium dioxide, a material with exceptional biological and aesthetic properties. According to international protocols for the treatment of missing teeth, they can be an alternative to traditional titanium implants. Although both types of implants have their advantages, they differ in their application. That is why we have prepared a guide for you to the latest technology available at Unident Union® in Wrocław.
What are zirconia implants and why should you choose them?
Let's start with the fact that zirconia implants, just like classic titanium implants reconstruct the roots of missing teeth. Most patients know that a dental implant resembles a small screw which, when inserted into the bone, integrates into it and, when combined with a ceramic crown, replaces the missing tooth. In modern dentistry, implant-based restorations most faithfully reproduce tooth function and are used with almost 100 per cent success rate of treatment over a three-year period, and over a 10-year period they give a treatment success rate of up to 95 per cent.
The integration of living tissues with implants proceeds best when the Patient is healthy, something we pay great attention to at Unident Union® in Wrocław and confirm diagnostically. If necessary, we implement appropriate supplementation to ensure the best healing and integration of the implants. If you would like to know, how to prepare for zirconia implantsYou will find information on this later in this article. We also explain everything at the consultation, which you can make an appointment for here (Make an appointment for a consultation)
Aesthetics of zirconia implants - advantages of white implants
White zirconia implants provide exceptional visual effects. Zirconia in its pure form is a white, transparent material, which makes it look very natural. For this reason, zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) is used in the dental industry not only for implants, but above all for crowns or veneers. It gives excellent aesthetic results and blends in with natural dentition.
- Natural look: Thanks to their white colour, white implants do not shine through the gingival tissue, which is important in thin gingival phenotype or in areas visible in the smile zone.
- Comparison with titanium: Classical titanium implants, despite their high functionality, have a grey tinge which, in theory, can affect aesthetics in some cases.
At Unident Union® Wrocław, we use advanced implantology techniques that make both zirconia and titanium implants look naturalregardless of the gingival phenotype! We have been performing implant procedures for over 25 years, and the head of the practice dr.stom. Iwona Gnach (link) was one of the first doctors in Poland to receive implant accreditation from the Polish Dental Implantology Association and the Ministry of Health, confirming her competence in implantology and implantoprosthetics.
Zirconia implants Wrocław - is this the solution for you?
If - as it turns out - the aesthetics of prosthetics on zirconia and titanium implants are comparable, why the growing popularity of zirconia implants? In our opinion, this is primarily due to from patients' life choices and attitudes. We are already explaining what this is all about.
Patients who opt for zirconia implants are primarily those who do not accept the presence of metal in the body. If they have a choice, they simply prefer non-metallic elements.
We also use white implants in patients who are diagnosed with rare allergies or hypersensitivities to metals (found in approximately 0.5% patients). Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning that it does not cause allergic reactions or irritation. Titanium used in implants is also highly biocompatible. Titanium implants are well tolerated by patients in 99.5% cases, as confirmed by long-term clinical studies.
Are zirconia implants better than titanium?
It cannot be said unequivocally that zirconia implants are superior to titanium implants - both materials have their advantages and applications. Titanium is certainly a material characterised by greater strength. This makes titanium implants more versatile and durable. We use them in more demanding cases, such as in the reconstruction of complete edentulousness, in prosthetic bridges or in the restoration of missing teeth in the posterior region.
Zirconium as a material also shows resistance to extreme mechanical conditions. Compared to titanium, however, it is slightly more brittle.
Zirconia implants are therefore used to restore single missing teeth. They are not suitable for high pressures or stresses. Hence, bridges and even more so the reconstruction of complete edentulousness on zirconia implants are not performed.
Summary: Zirconia vs. titanium implants
Zirconia implants, although more expensive, are instead a good choice:
- for single missing teeth,
- in patients with metal allergy,
- in those who prefer non-metallic solutions.
Titanium implants are less expensive and have the longest-lasting use in implantology. They are used:
- For the treatment of edentulous teeth, in all-on-4 constructions,
- in implant-supported prosthetic bridges,
- in patients without rare allergic reactions.
Preparation for zirconia implant surgery
At Unident Union® Wrocław, we pay particular attention to the comprehensive preparation of our patients for the implant procedure. Patients can count on interdisciplinary care at our clinic, which is also in line with implant protocols established by equipment manufacturers. Thanks to the holistic preparation of the Patient for the procedure, the healing process is faster and the implants integrate effectively into the bone.
Preparation stages:
1.Diagnosis and treatment planning:
- Imaging studies, such as CBCT scans, allow us to assess the bone tissue and select the appropriate type of implant. We also determine whether additional procedures are necessary, such as. Sinus Lift, bone augmentation.
- Assessment of general health and vitamin deficiencies (e.g. vitamins D3, K2, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc).
- In order to ensure the best possible conditions for healing and integration of zirconia implants, we ask patients to check their CRP levels before surgery.
- We also control LDL. According to implantation protocols, we assume that a level of this cholesterol fraction above 1.2 g/l is an indicator of increased risk of infection.
2.Oral hygiene:
- Professional dental hygiene, including scaling and sandblasting.
- Regular use of dental floss and antibacterial fluids.
3.Diet and supplementation:
- A balanced diet rich in vitamins D, C, calcium and magnesium supports recovery.
- For better healing, patients are asked to give up smoking and alcohol. They also limit their intake of sugar and dairy products.
- Healing conditions and implant integration are affected by vitamin D3 and K2/mk7 levels. We assume that the patient should have a D3 test result of at least 70 ng/ml before surgery. We implement appropriate supplementation four weeks before surgery and continue for one month after surgery.
- Patients in the pre- and post-implantation period supplement vitamin C, Omega 3 acids, magnesium citrate and zinc.
Good preparation for the zirconia implant procedure reduces recovery time and improves the patient's overall comfort during treatment. All detailed information is provided during the implantology consultation. Making appointments
Zirconia implant insertion process
- Consultation and diagnosis - assessment of the health of the teeth, gums and bones.
- Preparation of treatment plan - Based on the diagnostic results, the dentist plans all stages of treatment, including the selection of the appropriate type of implants.
- Implant procedure - lasts approximately one hour, carried out under local anaesthetic. In some cases we perform immediate implantation, i.e. after extraction we insert an implant in place of the extracted tooth.
- Bone integration - The healing process takes between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the patient has a temporary work fitted to the implant.
- Setting of a ceramic crown - the final stage is the placement of the crown, which recreates the natural tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are zirconia implants more expensive than titanium?
Yes, zirconia implants are more expensive, but they offer exceptional biocompatibility.
How long does it take to heal after implant placement?
The healing process takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on the patient's condition.
Can I get zirconia implants for large missing teeth?
Zirconia implants work best for single gaps in aesthetic areas. For large reconstructions, titanium ones are preferable.
Unident Union® Wrocław - Zirconia implantology
If you are considering white zirconia implants, come to Unident Union® in Wrocław. The establishment was founded by dr. stom. Iwona Gnach, who started her implantology practice over 25 years ago and was one of the first doctors in Poland to be accredited as an implantologist by the Polish Dental Implantology Association and the Ministry of Health, confirming her competence in implantology and implantoprosthetics. She currently heads the Unident Union® and has created a team of experienced doctors from many dental disciplines in Wroclaw, including internationally renowned implantologists.
Find out what options modern zirconia implants offer and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile! Making an appointment for a consultation!