IMPLANTOLOGY
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia implants may meet certain aesthetic or biological expectations, but their indication depends on the clinical, bone, and prosthetic context.
Schedule an initial consultation →Key points
Zirconia implants are an alternative to titanium implants, offering specific advantages in terms of aesthetics and biology.
At the 47VH clinic in Nice, we offer both options and determine the most suitable material during the consultation, based on your clinical, bone, and prosthetic situation.
Materials used for dental implants
The vast majority of dental implants available on the market are made of titanium. Two main types can be distinguished:
- The commercially pure titanium—used by premium brands. This is the material we primarily use at the 47VH clinic.
- The titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V)—used by conventional brands. They contain aluminium and vanadium in addition.
Titanium has surface properties that allow bone cells to attach to it—this is osseointegration. This process firmly anchors the implant in the jaw and enables it to withstand masticatory forces. Titanium is biocompatible, does not corrode, and does not trigger any immune reaction, except in rare cases of allergy.
Zirconia implants: a serious alternative
Zirconia—zirconium oxide ceramic—is the other main material used for the fabrication of dental implants.
Like titanium, zirconia supports osseointegration: bone cells adhere firmly to it, allowing durable anchorage in the jaw. It is also biocompatible—the body accepts it naturally, without immune reaction or rejection.
Zirconia also offers several specific advantages:
- natural white color, making it more aesthetically discreet under the gum
- low bacterial adhesion, which reduces plaque accumulation
- good gingival adhesion, which is favorable for the health of peri-implant soft tissues
- no electrical or thermal conductivity
When do we choose zirconia implants?
We offer zirconia implants in several situations:
- patients wishing to avoid any metal in the body
- aesthetic zone with thin gingiva, where the grey color of titanium could be visible through the tissue
- patients with sensitivity or allergy to titanium
- patients wishing to benefit from the latest advances in implant biomaterials
However, the choice of material is not based on personal preference alone. We assess it according to bone anatomy, the prosthetic plan, and the overall clinical conditions. We present both options during the consultation and determine together the most appropriate solution for your situation.
Clinical case
Zirconia implant
Bibliographic References
- Albrektsson T. et al. — The long-term efficacy of currently used dental implants: a review and proposed criteria of success. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 1986. PubMed PMID 3527955
- Pieralli S. et al. — Clinical outcomes of zirconia dental implants. J Dent Res, 2017. PubMed PMID 27625355
- Pieralli S. et al. — Osseointegration of zirconia dental implants in animal investigations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dent Mater, 2018. PubMed PMID 29122237
- Hashim D. et al. — A systematic review of the clinical survival of zirconia implants. Clin Oral Investig, 2016. PubMed PMID 27217032
- Li J., Yin X., Huang L., Mouraret S., Brunski J.B., Cordova L., Salmon B., Helms J.A. — Relationships among bone quality, implant osseointegration, and Wnt signaling. J Dent Res, 2017. PubMed PMID 28571512
FAQ
Is zirconia as strong as titanium?
Yes—zirconia has high mechanical strength, compatible with masticatory forces.
However, it is more sensitive to fracture under high lateral stresses. This is why we systematically evaluate the occlusal context and clinical situation before recommending it. Certain conditions — such as severe bruxism or high-load posterior regions — may favour titanium instead.
Is osseointegration identical with zirconia and titanium?
Scientific studies show similar osseointegration for both materials.
Bone cells attach to zirconia surfaces in a manner comparable to titanium. Therefore, long-term implant stability depends less on the material itself and more on bone quality, treatment planning, and post-operative maintenance.
Can zirconia be chosen for aesthetic reasons only?
Yes — this is a valid indication, especially in the anterior region with thin gingival biotype.
Its natural white colour avoids any greyish translucency through the gum. In addition, its favourable soft-tissue response supports gingival health around the implant, contributing to the final aesthetic outcome.
Are zirconia implants suitable for all patients?
No—their indication depends on the clinical, bone, and prosthetic context.
Thus, we assess each situation during the consultation before recommending this material. However, patients wishing to avoid any metal, those with titanium sensitivity, or those seeking the latest advances in biomaterials are the most suitable candidates.
Do zirconia implants cost more than titanium implants?
Yes—the cost of zirconia implants is generally higher than that of premium titanium implants.
However, the difference remains moderate. We provide full cost details during the personalised treatment planning after clinical assessment.
Do you offer both options at the clinic?
Yes—we use both titanium and zirconia implants from premium brands.
Thus, we present both options during the consultation and jointly determine the most suitable material for your situation, taking into account your aesthetic expectations, anatomy, and prosthetic plan.