Zirconia implants
White zirconia implants - a modern alternative in implantology
Are zirconia implants for me? - ask the Unidentist Union patients® Wrocław, interested in the latest technological developments. 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. First and foremost foratego white implants are made of 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 advantageslabels, however, differ in application. That's 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, like classic titanium implants, reproduce the roots of missing teeth. Most patients know that the shape of a dental implant resembles a small screw which, when inserted into the bone, integrates with it and, when combined with a ceramic crown, replaces the missing tooth. In modern dentistry, implant-supported restorations most faithfully reproduce tooth function and are used with a treatment success rate of nearly 100 per cent over a three-year period and up to a 95 per cent success rate over a 10-year period.
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 the placement of zirconia implants, you will find information on this subject later in this article. We also explain everything at the consultation, for which you can make an appointment here (Consultation).
Zirconia implants - aesthetics, biocompatibility and modern biological dentistry
In the world of modern implantology, more and more patients are looking for solutions that are completely metal-free, as compatible as possible with human biology and free from potential inflammatory factors.
Zirconia implants, used at the clinic, are the answer to these needs Unident Union® in Wrocław for years - in strictly defined cases and always after a detailed qualification.
It is a special choice - for Phe conscious, demanding patient who wants only fully bio-neutral materials in his body.
What is a zirconia implant?
A zirconia implant is a screw (implant) made of zirconium oxide-based ceramic (ZrO₂).
Although zirconium itself is listed on the Periodic Table as a metallic element, it undergoes a complete structural transformation during the implant manufacturing process - through crystallisation and sintering it becomes a material with the properties of an engineered ceramic.
This means that final implant:
- does not conduct electricity,
- does not react with tissues,
- does not corrode,
- does not work like metal,
- is completely biocompatible and neutral for the body.
It is a biologically inert material, without ionisation, and does not activate the immune system.
Why do gums 'love' zirconia implants?
- Zirconia has a naturally white colour, which prevents the gums from turning grey even after many years,
- It does not pierce light like titanium - therefore no dark translucence is visible with a thin gingival biotype,
- It is extremely smooth, which reduces bacterial adhesion and promotes periodontal health,
- Soft tissues adhere more readily to the zirconia surface than to the metallic surface - supporting aesthetics and gingival tightness.
Who are zirconia implants for?
Zirconia implants are particularly recommended:
- Patients with thin gingival biotype (high aesthetics),
- people with autoimmune diseases or suspected metal hypersensitivity,
- for those seeking solutions in line with biological dentistry,
- Ppatients who want to completely eliminate metals from their bodies,
- Ppatients for whom the aesthetics of the gums and the naturalness of the materials are an absolute priority.
What is biological dentistry?
It is an approach that:
- eliminates all materials that can cause micro-inflammation (including metals, leaking crowns, dead teeth),
- assumes maximum compatibility of all materials used with human biology,
- promotes the use of ceramics, PRF, ozone therapy, vitamin infusions and natural regeneration,
- treats the oral cavity as an integral part of the whole organism.
W Unident Union® we combine modern digital surgery with the idea of biological dentistry - wherever Phe patient and the clinical situation allow it.
Requirements for zirconia implants
These are more biologically demanding implants than titanium.
In order to provide them with ideal healing conditions, we require patients to:
- no dead teeth (root canal treated) in the same quadrant of the mouth,
- high general resistance,
- good laboratory parameters (especially D3, total cholesterol and LDL),
- the absence of inflammatory foci in the body,
- immune support - supplementation, ozone therapy, PRF and sometimes intravenous vitamin infusions,
- excellent hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Why do we only use proven zirconia systems?
At Unident Union®, we use zirconia implants exclusively from a renowned manufacturer from Switzerland - a pioneer in this field.
Why?
- The company has more than 20 years of clinical experience,
- The implants are long-term tested,
- They are characterised by excellent quality, precision and predictability,
- The system is supported by a broad scientific base and treatment protocols in line with the philosophy of biological implantology.
We do not experiment. We only work with what is safe and tested.
Are zirconia implants for everyone?
No - and this must be emphasised honestly.
This is a solution for patients:
- healthy in general,
- well prepared,
- involved in the healing and regeneration process,
- with high motivation for oral health and hygiene.
But it is also a solution for the most demanding - those who want only the purest, safest and most neutral in their body.
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 produces excellent aesthetic results and blends in with natural dentition.
Natural appearance: Thanks to their white colour, white implants do not show through the gingival tissue, which is important for 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 can theoretically affect aesthetics in some cases.
At Unident Union® Wrocław, we use advanced implantology techniques that make both zirconia and titanium implants look natural, regardless of your gum phenotype! We have been carrying out implantology procedures for more than 25 years and the head of the facility, dr. Iwona Gnach 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 zirconium and titanium implants are comparable, why the growing popularity of zirconium implants? In our opinion, it is primarily due to the choices and attitudes of patients in life. We already explain 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 components.
We also use white implants in patients who have been diagnosed with rare allergies or hypersensitivity to metals (these occur 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. Therefore, zirconia implants are 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 the implantation 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 successfully into the bone.
Preparation stages:
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 required, such as Sinus Lift (link), 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.
Oral hygiene:
- Professional dental hygiene, including scaling and sandblasting.
- Regular use of dental floss and antibacterial fluids.
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.
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!
