Dental implants continue to evolve, offering patients long-term restorative solutions with high success rates. While titanium implants remain the most commonly used material in modern implant dentistry, zirconia implants have become a promising alternative—especially for patients with metal sensitivities or aesthetic concerns.

At First Dental Studio, we work with both titanium and zirconia-based implant restorations, supporting Canadian dentists in making case-specific decisions based on soft tissue health, occlusal forces, and patient preferences.

Key Differences Between Titanium and Zirconia Implants

Feature	Titanium Implants	Zirconia Implants
Material Composition	Titanium alloy (typically Ti-6Al-4V)	Y-TZP (yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals)
Osseointegration	Excellent, well documented	Comparable, but with less long-term data
Aesthetics	Grey hue; may show through thin tissue	White; blends better with natural dentition
Metal-Free	No (contains trace metals)	Yes (ceramic-based, metal-free)
Gum Health	Proven track record	Promising soft tissue response
Fracture Risk	Very low	Slightly higher, especially under tensile forces
Flexibility	Higher elasticity	Lower elasticity, more brittle

Why Titanium Is Still the Gold Standard

Titanium dental implants have been used for over 40 years with extensive clinical studies showing 95–98% success rates across various patient profiles. Their high biocompatibility and excellent osseointegration make them a trusted option for single units, full-arch restorations, and immediate placement.

Pros:

• Proven durability and strength
• Flexible design options (two-piece, small diameter, angled)
• Predictable integration and long lifespan

Cons:

• Can show through thin or receding soft tissue
• Aesthetic challenges in anterior cases
• Contains trace metals (e.g., vanadium or aluminum)

When to Consider Zirconia Implants

Zirconia is a ceramic material that offers both biocompatibility and aesthetics. Because of its white, tooth-like colour and lack of metal, zirconia is ideal for patients with metal allergies or anterior implant cases where appearance is a priority.

Newer two-piece zirconia implants offer greater flexibility and strength compared to the original one-piece versions. This makes it possible to place the implant subgingivally, allow for proper osseointegration, and attach a custom abutment—much like titanium systems.

Pros:

• Metal-free for sensitive patients
• Improved gingival response in thin biotypes
• Excellent aesthetic outcomes

Cons:

• Less long-term data
• More prone to micro-fractures during adjustment
• Fewer prosthetic options available in some systems

Case Planning with Zirconia or Titanium: What to Consider

When selecting implant materials, dentists should consider:

• Tissue biotype: Zirconia often performs better in thin or translucent gingival tissues where titanium might show through.
• Occlusal load: Titanium remains superior in high-stress areas due to its elasticity and strength.
• Patient preferences: Some patients strongly prefer metal-free options for health or personal reasons.
• Restoration design: Titanium systems offer more abutment choices, angulation correction, and smaller diameter options.

Partnering with a Lab That Supports Both Options

At First Dental Studio, we help you plan and restore both zirconia and titanium implant cases. We work with Canada’s top implant platforms including:

• Straumann
• Nobel Biocare
• BioHorizons
• Z-Systems / SDS Swiss Dental Solutions (for zirconia systems)

From scan to final prosthetic, we ensure a precise, aesthetic fit—whether your case is metal-free or traditional.

Need Help Choosing the Right Material?

Every implant case is unique. If you’re planning a restoration and unsure whether titanium or zirconia is the right choice, our experienced team is here to support you.