At SmileNow, we use only premium Zirconia for dental implants. Discover why material quality is the most important decision you'll make for your long-term oral health.
When choosing a dental implant provider, one of the most critical questions to ask is: What material do you use for the prosthetic teeth?
Not all dental implants are created equal. While the titanium posts that anchor into your jawbone are fairly standardized across the industry, the material used for the visible teeth attached to those implants varies significantly.
Some clinics use acrylic (a type of plastic) because it's less expensive. At SmileNow, we exclusively use Zirconia, a premium ceramic material that offers superior strength, aesthetics, and longevity.
This isn't just about having "nicer" teeth. The material you choose affects everything from how long your implants last, to how they look, to your overall oral health. Let's explore why material quality matters so much.
See the clear differences between premium Zirconia and standard acrylic materials
| Property |
Premium Zirconia
SmileNow
|
Acrylic (Plastic) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability |
✓
Exceptionally strong, fracture-resistant
|
✗
Prone to chipping and cracking
|
| Expected Lifespan |
✓
20+ years to lifetime
|
✗
5-7 years, frequent replacement needed
|
| Stain Resistance |
✓
Highly resistant, maintains color
|
✗
Stains easily from food and drink
|
| Natural Appearance |
✓
Translucent, tooth-like appearance
|
✗
Opaque, artificial-looking
|
| Biocompatibility |
✓
Hypoallergenic, no irritation
|
✗
Can harbor bacteria, gum irritation
|
| Plaque Resistance |
✓
Smooth surface, easy to clean
|
✗
Porous, accumulates bacteria
|
| Wear Over Time |
✓
Minimal wear, stays smooth
|
✗
Degrades, becomes rough
|
| Total Cost (20 years) |
✓
One-time investment
|
✗
Multiple replacements = higher cost
|
Exceptionally strong, fracture-resistant
Prone to chipping and cracking
20+ years to lifetime
5-7 years, frequent replacement needed
Highly resistant, maintains color
Stains easily from food and drink
Translucent, tooth-like appearance
Opaque, artificial-looking
Hypoallergenic, no irritation
Can harbor bacteria, gum irritation
One-time investment
Multiple replacements = higher cost
Why premium materials make all the difference for your smile
Zirconia is one of the strongest dental ceramics available, with flexural strength exceeding 1000 MPa. This means your teeth can withstand normal chewing forces without risk of fracture or wear.
Unlike acrylic, which can chip or crack over time, Zirconia maintains its structural integrity for decades.
Zirconia's translucent properties mimic the natural light reflection of real teeth, creating a beautiful, lifelike smile that blends seamlessly with your natural features.
Acrylic looks opaque and artificial, especially over time as it yellows and stains. Zirconia maintains its color and luster indefinitely.
Zirconia is completely biocompatible and hypoallergenic. It doesn't trigger allergic reactions, cause inflammation, or irritate gum tissue.
Its smooth, non-porous surface prevents bacterial colonization, reducing the risk of gum disease and promoting healthier tissue around your implants.
With proper care, Zirconia implants can last 20+ years or even a lifetime. This makes them a true one-time investment in your oral health and quality of life.
Acrylic typically needs replacement every 5-7 years, meaning multiple procedures, additional costs, and repeated recovery periods.
Zirconia's smooth, non-porous surface makes it easy to keep clean with regular brushing and flossing. It resists plaque buildup naturally.
No special products or complicated cleaning routines required. Care for your Zirconia implants just like natural teeth.
Enjoy your coffee, tea, and wine without worry. Zirconia is highly resistant to staining and maintains its color permanently.
Acrylic absorbs pigments and gradually yellows, requiring professional cleaning or replacement to restore appearance.
Understanding the limitations of plastic dental materials
Acrylic (PMMA) is a type of plastic that has been used in dentistry for decades. While it's less expensive upfront, it comes with significant long-term drawbacks that make it unsuitable for permanent dental implant restorations.
Acrylic prosthetics typically last only 5-7 years before showing significant wear, discoloration, or structural failure. This means you'll need multiple replacements over your lifetime, each requiring additional procedures, recovery time, and expense.
As a plastic material, acrylic is prone to chipping, cracking, and fracturing under normal chewing forces. Even minor damage often requires complete replacement rather than repair.
Acrylic is porous and absorbs stains from coffee, tea, wine, and even certain foods. Over time, it yellows and becomes noticeably discolored, creating an aged, artificial appearance that's difficult or impossible to reverse.
The porous surface of acrylic provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth and plaque accumulation. This can lead to gum inflammation, bad breath, and increased risk of peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
Acrylic lacks the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. It appears flat and opaque, making it obvious that you have artificial teeth, especially in natural lighting.
While acrylic may cost less initially, the need for replacement every 5-7 years makes it significantly more expensive over time. Factor in the cost of additional procedures, time off work, and repeated recovery periods, and the true cost becomes clear.
Acrylic degrades with use, becoming rougher and more porous. This accelerates bacterial growth, increases staining, and can cause irritation to surrounding gum tissue.
At SmileNow, we refuse to compromise on quality. We believe your smile deserves the best materials available, which is why we exclusively use Zirconia. Your investment should last a lifetime, not just a few years.
Why investing in Zirconia saves money in the long run
Initial Procedure
Premium Zirconia implants installed
No Replacement Needed
Still going strong
No Replacement Needed
Still looking great
No Replacement Needed
Lifetime durability
Total Procedures Over 20 Years
1
One and done
Initial Procedure
Acrylic implants installed
First Replacement
Worn, stained, needs replacing
Second Replacement
Another full procedure required
Third Replacement
Yet another procedure needed
Total Procedures Over 20 Years
3+
Multiple procedures, recovery, and costs
Even if Zirconia costs 30-40% more initially, you'll spend far less over your lifetime compared to replacing acrylic implants multiple times. Plus, you avoid repeated procedures, recovery periods, and time away from your life.
Clinical evidence supporting Zirconia as the superior choice
Zirconia's exceptional strength means superior durability and fracture resistance
Clinical studies show Zirconia implants lasting decades with proper care
Hypoallergenic and completely safe for long-term oral health
Zirconia has been extensively studied and proven in clinical dentistry for over 20 years. It's recognized by dental associations worldwide as a gold standard for permanent dental restorations.
The material's exceptional biocompatibility, strength, and aesthetics make it the preferred choice among experienced dentists who prioritize long-term patient outcomes.
Major dental research institutions consistently rank Zirconia as superior to acrylic and other materials for fixed implant prosthetics, citing better patient satisfaction, fewer complications, and longer service life.
Your questions about implant materials answered
Your smile is a lifetime investment. At SmileNow, we use only premium Zirconia because you deserve materials that will last as long as you do.
Have questions? Call us at (403) 879-7880 or visit our Calgary clinic at 7337 McLeod Trail SW