Zirconium bridges are used in dental implant surgery to replace multiple teeth or an entire arch of teeth with new teeth made of zirconia. Zirconia is a ceramic material that is stronger and harder than traditional porcelain or acrylic teeth. That means no worrying about fractures while you enjoy foods like apples or steak that denture wearers shy away from. A part of the titanium family, zirconia looks and feels like natural teeth. It does not stain and can be colored to match the rest of your teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Zirconia?
Traditional dental implants are usually made of titanium, which can sometimes cause allergies. Zirconia is hypoallergenic and completely biocompatible with the human body, so the risk of developing problems started by allergic inflammation is eliminated. Zirconia is a ceramic and bioinert, which means it does not corrode and will not migrate to other parts of your body. Titanium is a metal, and patients with titanium implants can experience corrosion.
Zirconia has no taste, whereas titanium implants can have a metallic aftertaste if they corrode. They can also show through the gums so that some silver or grey is visible when you smile or when your gums recede or become thinner. Zirconia’s natural white color blends better than titanium.
In addition to being a tough and dense material, zirconia is also very smooth, so it does not wear down the opposing teeth, whether natural or made of porcelain. Its smoothness makes it harder for plaque to adhere and cause decay, so maintaining good oral hygiene is easier.
How Are Zirconium Bridges Made?
Crafting a beautiful zirconium bridge starts with digital imaging. Your doctor will take dental X-rays, photos, and a dental impression of your mouth. These will be digitally scanned to create a 3D computer image of your new teeth.
Your new bridge will be milled from a solid zirconia block with a precision computerized machine that follows the digital design. It gets baked in a special oven and then trimmed and polished. The bridge can be further refined, colored, and glazed until it matches your teeth’s natural beauty and translucency.
What Kind of Care Do Zirconium Bridges Need?
Zirconium bridges are permanent, unlike implant-supported dentures, which must be removed for cleaning. A zirconium bridge requires no special cleaners; you clean it like your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are all you must do between your twice-yearly dental checkups. With proper care, a zirconium bridge can last a lifetime.
Titanium remains the most common material for dental implants, but zirconia is the latest technology with many advantages. Consult your oral surgeon to see if a zirconium bridge is the right option.
Consult With Our South Jersey Oral Surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Custom Dental Implants
Zirconia is the most advanced material for beautiful dental implants matching your natural teeth. Our South Jersey oral surgeons at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons perform dental implant surgery regularly. Let us give you your smile back. Call 856-582-4222 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation. With convenient office locations in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.