What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Why aren't dental implants made of just anything? Because they need to do what real teeth do! Chew, bite, and last for years without breaking down. A weak material wouldn't work. Something the body rejects wouldn't either.

Ever seen a metal rust in water? That can't happen in your mouth. That's why implants are made from materials that are strong, safe, and biocompatible. They need to handle thousands of bites a day while staying firmly in place.

So, what exactly are they made of?

Implant (Titanium)

Why titanium? Because it's strong, light, and built to last. But the real magic? Your body treats it like it belongs.

Ever tried pulling a nail out of wood? If it's been there long enough, the wood grips it so tightly that it feels impossible to remove. That's what your bone does with titanium. When a titanium implant is placed in your jaw, your bone doesn't just hold it; it fuses with it. This process makes implant rock solid, like a natural tooth root.

Titanium also resists corrosion and doesn't rust or weaken over time. It can handle thousands of bites a day. That's why it's used in aerospace, medical implants, and even deep-sea equipment.

Implant restoration (Crown)

A dental implant Turkey isn't just about what's inside the gum. The visible part, the crown, is what completes the smile.

Think of it like a house. The implant is the strong, hidden foundation, but the crown? That's the beautiful exterior everyone notices. Crown does all the chewing, biting, and smiling and needs to be strong and natural-looking. Its shape also needs to match your other teeth.

Ever seen a well-done paint job on a car? If the painting is perfect, the car looks flawless. That's what a good crown does! It blends in so well that no one can tell it's not real.

So, what's it made of? Now, it is next.

Zirconium

Why zirconium crown? Zirconium crown is where strength meets beauty. It's tough enough to handle years of chewing and aesthetic enough to look just like a natural tooth.

Zirconium has a natural shine. It reflects light just like a real tooth, making your implant blend in perfectly. Unlike other materials, it doesn't easily stain, chip easily, and blends seamlessly with real teeth.

But is it durable? Absolutely. It's as strong as metal but without the dull, unnatural look. Zirconium is pretty popular and one of the best choices for implant crowns. If you want a crown that looks great and stays that way for years, zirconium is the answer (American Dental Association).

Porcelain

Porcelain is one of the most aesthetic and comfortable options for implant crowns. It reflects light like natural enamel, making it almost impossible to tell apart from real teeth. Its surface is smooth, preventing irritation on the tongue and gums.

Does it stain? No. Coffee, tea, and red wine won't affect its colour.

Is it durable? Yes, but it's not unbreakable. It can handle everyday chewing but may chip under strong pressure.

Another advantage? It's metal-free, so it's a great option for those with allergies or sensitivities. If you want a long-lasting, realistic, and comfortable crown, porcelain is a great choice.

Emax

Emax crowns are a high-quality ceramic used for implant crowns. It is ultra-thin but incredibly strong. So it is both durable and natural-looking.

Does it stain? No. Its surface is highly resistant to discolouration, keeping it bright for years.

Durable? Yes, but Emax is best for front teeth, where aesthetics is more important than extreme pressure resistance.

Comfort? Excellent. Emax crowns are lightweight and smooth, making them feel just like real teeth. If you want a crown that's beautiful, long-lasting, and comfortable, Emax is a great option.

Acrylic

Acrylic crowns are lightweight, affordable, and easy to adjust. They're mostly used as temporary crowns before a permanent one is placed. While they look natural, they're not as strong as porcelain or zirconium. They can wear down over time, making them better for short-term use rather than a long-term solution.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

PFM crowns combine strength and aesthetics. The metal base makes them durable, while the porcelain layer gives a natural look.

Do they last? Yes. The metal core provides extra support, making them resistant to fractures.

Any downsides? Over time, the gum line may recede, exposing a dark metal edge. So, dentists use them, especially for back teeth. Because here, strength matters more than appearance.

If you need a strong, long-lasting crown, PFM is a solid option.

Gold

Gold crowns are extremely durable and long-lasting. They resist fractures, don't wear down opposing teeth, and handle strong bite forces.

Do they look natural? No. That's why they're mostly used for back teeth, where strength matters more than appearance.

If you want a strong, reliable, and long-term crown, gold is a great choice.

What is the best material for dental implant crowns?

Crown Material	Why Choose It?	Potential Downsides
Emax	Most natural look, stain-resistant	Not ideal for back teeth.
Porcelain	Aesthetic, smooth surface	Can chip under pressure.
Zirconium	Extremely strong, lasts long	Less aesthetic than porcelain.
Gold	Durable, doesn't wear opposing teeth	Metallic look, expensive.
PFM	Strong with a porcelain finish	Can show dark metal edge.
Acrylic	Affordable, good for temporary use	Wears down fast, not for long-term use.

The best material depends on what you need. For the most natural look, Emax and porcelain are the top choices. They reflect light like real teeth and blend in perfectly.

Need something stronger? Zirconium is the most durable option. It's great for back teeth, where biting force is higher.

Worried about allergies? Porcelain and Emax are completely metal-free, making them safe for sensitive patients.

So, what's the best? For front teeth, Porcelain is the most aesthetic. For back teeth, zirconium is the strongest. For example, the top three materials of choice in restoring posterior crowns were all-zirconia (32%), PFM (31%), and lithium disilicate (21%), according to the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network findings. If you want a balance of strength and beauty, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) is also a solid option. However, zirconium crowns are more preferred because of the metal appearance caused by PFM.

Please contact us if you are planning to receive implant treatment (single, All on 4, All on 6) in Turkey.