Are zirconia permanent dentures pitfalls making you second-guess your decision to get them? Think again! You don’t want to miss out on the amazing benefits of zirconia dentures just because you’re afraid of their fallibility.
At the speed that modern restorative dentistry is currently evolving, if we look back, then there’s an enormous shift in the efficacy of materials used in permanent dentures. But no material can guarantee to be 100% fool proof (it simply isn’t possible), and there’s always room for improvement. The same goes for Zirconia. Hence, patients should not be asking, ‘What are the pitfalls associated with Zirconia dentures?’ but rather, ‘How to avoid these pitfalls?’.
In this blog, we’ll look at some potential downsides of Zirconia dentures and how to avoid them.
What Are Permanent Zirconia Dentures?
To answer this question, we need to take a step back and define what permanent dentures are in the first place.
Permanent dentures are basically dentures – restorative devices containing a complete arch of permanent fake teeth – that are attached to dental implants placed in a toothless person’s jawbone. These dentures are called permanent not because they’re infallible or immune to change but because they’re ‘fixed’ inside the jawbone, unable to be removed by the patient himself (unlike traditional removable dentures). This means that by getting permanent dentures, you get your lost teeth permanently replaced, as the dentures are fixed to your jawbone, just like natural teeth.
So, there are two core components of permanent teeth replacement: dental implants and dentures. But what decides how successful and durable this replacement is going to be? It’s the ‘material’ of the implants and the denture (though there are other factors too, but materials play a huge role in dictating the overall efficacy of permanent teeth restoration).
Zirconia has received a lot of recognition and popularity as one of the most efficient materials for permanent dentures and implants!
It’s a non-metallic alternative to traditional metallic implants and is therefore considered to be healthier than the latter (because some people are genuinely allergic to metals and can’t afford to have them put into their gums for health reasons) and equally low risk of implant failure.
As for the dentures, then Zirconia is hands down the most aesthetically pleasing material there is (thanks to it being tooth coloured, wearing a denture made of Zirconia literally makes it indistinguishable from having natural teeth!).
Other Benefits Of Zirconia Permanent Dentures
Don’t be under the impression that Zirconia is only beneficial in terms of what we’ve discussed so far. There are a whole lot of other benefits of getting zirconia permanent dentures besides it being a healthier, successful and aesthetic option for implants.
Most of these benefits have to do with the intrinsic qualities of Zirconia and how they perfectly efface the challenges that dentures have to face in the dynamic environment of our mouth.
Zirconia is durable, corrosion resistant, stain resistant and has low thermal conductivity – all of these qualities complement its use in implants and dentures by making them withstand the harsh, moist and temperature sensitive oral environment, all while maintaining its milky white appearance.
What’s more, its naturally smooth surface (which is pretty much like real enamel in terms of texture and smoothness) makes it less prone to plaque accumulation as compared to metals and other materials. This will protect your gums from infections and decay in the long run.
What Are Permanent Zirconia Dentures Pitalls, And How To Avoid Them?
It’s inevitable to be fascinated by all the benefits offered by Zirconia permanent dentures, but that doesn’t mean there are no downsides to choosing Zirconia as a material for your implants and dentures (as we said, no material is 100% foolproof).
Some of the most common pitfalls associated with Zirconia permanent dentures include the following:
- Despite being strong and tough, it can chip or fracture, especially if it’s been designed improperly (which leaves the dentures unusually thin in certain areas) or if the patient exerts continuous excessive pressure on it (by teeth grinding due to Bruxism or otherwise).
How To Avoid:
Getting your implant dentures designed by an experienced and authentic dentist can avoid manufacturing faults. If you suffer from Bruxism, get a nightguard to protect the dentures.
- As with any other material, zirconia dentures can also cause fitting issues. This happens when the dentist takes inaccurate impressions of the patient’s mouth, resulting in dentures that don’t fit it. It should not be ignored as wearing ill-fitting dentures may cause difficulty in chewing, mouth sores and even infections.
How To Avoid:
Dentists should use modern and high quality tools for capturing accurate impressions of the patient’s mouth, which can alleviate the abovementioned issues.
- Even if the impressions are taken carefully, zirconia dentures may still not fit properly, and their hard and inflexible nature makes it difficult to adjust afterwards.
How To Avoid:
Work with dentists who are specialized and trained in handling zirconia prostheses, as they know the techniques and strategies to handle them effectively. Communicate the issues with your dentist promptly, and they’ll make the required adjustments.
- While Zirconia is biocompatible, it may still trigger gum disease or irritation in some patients.
How To Avoid:
Report any signs of infection or irritation to your dentist as soon as they arise so early intervention can be made and the health of your gums may be preserved.
- Zirconia’s stain-resistant property definitely makes it superior to other materials, but it can still catch stains if you repeatedly consume foods that are known to cause staining, such as tea, coffee or wine.
How To Avoid:
Keep a balanced diet (avoid overconsumption of coloured foods) and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Conclusion
Getting Zirconia permanent dentures comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, but the former undoubtedly outweigh the latter if you learn how to effectively combat the pitfalls and give your new set of dentures the care that it deserves.
To know more about Zirconia permanent dentures, schedule a FREE consultation with Elk Grove Implant Clinic, a premium dental practice located in Elk Grove, California. Our expert implant surgeons specialize in dealing with Zirconia dentures, and will aid in charting your course to a healthy and beautiful smile!
