Ceramic Implants represent an evolution in dental implant materials Testing has demonstrated many advantages over traditional titanium metal implants.

One piece rather than two

The titanium only refers to the screw of the implant, since the chewing surface must still be made out of ceramic or composite materials. The titanium and the prosthetic must be joined, usually by a tiny fixation screw. This screw often builds up a bacterial film that provokes a constant, low-level immune response. However this response generally doesn’t cause patients problems.

Hypo-allergenic rather than just low-allergenic

As metals go, titanium is fairly safe for allergies. It provokes responses in only about 1% of patients. Even when we factor in the nickel that is used in some titanium alloys, it’s still quite low in allergy potential. But for every ninety-nine people who have no problems, one person has a big problem: an allergen permanently embedded in their bone. This leads to non-specific immune responses, causing weakness, fatigues, and aches all over the body, as well as gum recession in the mouth.

To date, no one has suffered any kind of allergic reaction to Zirconia the material ceramic implants are made of.

Less foreign to the body

Whenever you try to make living matter and non-living matter work together, there are going to be problems. Bones grow and change; metal does not. This is the reason that fillings need to be replaced: the bone grows away from the foreign object, leading to cracks in which bacteria fester. Titanium dental implants have a similar problem. Over time, as the bone around them changes, tiny cavities appear that create risks for infection.

Ceramics approach this problem in a novel way: using a substance that the body does not see as foreign. Without corroding metal parts, there are no new substances in nearby cells. Instead, the body accepts the implant and uses it through osseointegration: incorporating matter into bones. The implant over time becomes more a part of the bone, instead of less.

Grows stronger rather than weaker

Osseointegration also does wonders for strength. The hard bond formed with bone keeps the implant from shifting, even under incredible strain. This can prevent both injuries to the jaw and damage to the implant.