Premium Materials Matter

Why Material Matters: The Zirconia Advantage

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.

Your Implant Material is a Lifetime Investment

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.

Premium Zirconia dental implant

Zirconia vs Acrylic: Side-by-Side Comparison

See the clear differences between premium Zirconia and standard acrylic materials

Durability

Zirconia

Exceptionally strong, fracture-resistant

Acrylic

Prone to chipping and cracking

Expected Lifespan

Zirconia

20+ years to lifetime

Acrylic

5-7 years, frequent replacement needed

Stain Resistance

Zirconia

Highly resistant, maintains color

Acrylic

Stains easily from food and drink

Natural Appearance

Zirconia

Translucent, tooth-like appearance

Acrylic

Opaque, artificial-looking

Biocompatibility

Zirconia

Hypoallergenic, no irritation

Acrylic

Can harbor bacteria, gum irritation

Total Cost (20 years)

Zirconia

One-time investment

Acrylic

Multiple replacements = higher cost

The Zirconia Advantage

Why premium materials make all the difference for your smile

Exceptional Strength

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.

Natural Appearance

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.

Better for Your Health

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.

Lifetime Durability

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.

Simple Care

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.

Permanent Color

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.

Why We Don't Use Acrylic

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.

Limited Lifespan

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.

Structural Weakness

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.

Staining and Discoloration

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.

Bacterial Colonization

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).

Unnatural Appearance

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.

Higher Long-Term Cost

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.

Degradation Over Time

Acrylic degrades with use, becoming rougher and more porous. This accelerates bacterial growth, increases staining, and can cause irritation to surrounding gum tissue.

Our Commitment to Quality

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.

True Cost Over Time

Why investing in Zirconia saves money in the long run

Premium Zirconia

One Investment

Year 0

Initial Procedure

Premium Zirconia implants installed

Year 7

No Replacement Needed

Still going strong

Year 14

No Replacement Needed

Still looking great

Year 20+

No Replacement Needed

Lifetime durability

Total Procedures Over 20 Years

1

One and done

Acrylic (Plastic)

Repeated Costs

Year 0

Initial Procedure

Acrylic implants installed

Year 7

First Replacement

Worn, stained, needs replacing

Year 14

Second Replacement

Another full procedure required

Year 21

Third Replacement

Yet another procedure needed

Total Procedures Over 20 Years

3+

Multiple procedures, recovery, and costs

The Math is Clear

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.

Backed by Science

Clinical evidence supporting Zirconia as the superior choice

1000+
MPa Flexural Strength

Zirconia's exceptional strength means superior durability and fracture resistance

20+
Years Expected Lifespan

Clinical studies show Zirconia implants lasting decades with proper care

100%
Biocompatible

Hypoallergenic and completely safe for long-term oral health

Industry Recognition

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions about implant materials answered

Choose Quality. Choose Longevity. Choose Zirconia.

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

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