Ceramic and Titanium Dental Implants Near You
Ceramic and Titanium Implants Tailored to Your Smile Goals
Ceramic and Titanium Dental Implants
At Thomas & Anderegg in Bellevue, we offer both titanium and ceramic (zirconia) dental implants to provide the best possible solution tailored to your individual needs, health history, and aesthetic goals. Both materials are biocompatible, designed to replace the natural tooth root, and support a strong, natural-looking restoration like a crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis.
During your personalized consultation with our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Rosemary Thomas, who specializes in ceramic implants and advanced implant procedures, we'll evaluate your bone levels, bite alignment, gum health, medical considerations (such as metal sensitivities), and preferences to recommend the most appropriate option for long-term stability, function, and aesthetics.
Titanium Implants: The Proven Gold Standard
Titanium has been the most widely used implant material for decades, backed by extensive long-term clinical data.
Exceptional Strength and Durability
Titanium's mechanical properties make it highly resistant to fracture and ideal for high-load areas (e.g., molars).
Excellent Osseointegration
It bonds reliably with bone, with success rates often exceeding 95–98% over 10+ years in studies.
Versatile and Well-Studied
Decades of research support predictable outcomes in complex cases. While highly effective, some patients prefer to avoid metal due to rare allergies or aesthetic concerns (e.g., potential gray shadowing through thin gums).
Ceramic (Zirconia) Implants: The Metal-Free, Aesthetic Alternative
Ceramic implants, made from high-strength zirconia (a white, tooth-colored ceramic), offer a modern, biocompatible option that's gaining popularity for its natural appearance and tissue-friendly properties. Dr. Thomas has specialized training in placing these non-metallic implants, making them an excellent choice for many Bellevue patients seeking premium, holistic solutions and in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Superior Aesthetics
Zirconia's natural white color closely matches tooth roots, eliminating any risk of gray lines or shadowing at the gumline, ideal for front teeth or patients with thin gums.
Hypoallergenic and Biocompatible
It bonds reliably with bone, with success rates often exceeding 95–98% over 10+ years in studies.
Healthy Soft Tissue Response
Patients often experience better gum health around zirconia implants, with reduced biofilm formation and improved peri-implant tissue integration.
Natural Feel and Look
The material's translucency and color provide a more lifelike restoration, especially in visible areas.
Ceramic (Zirconia) vs. Titanium
Both materials deliver excellent results, with recent studies showing comparable survival rates (often 94–98% at 5–10 years, depending on case factors).
Ceramic( Zirconia)
Strength & Longevity
Modern zirconia implants are highly durable for many routine cases. Newer designs and surfaces continue to improve reliability, especially when placement, bite alignment, and ongoing maintenance are well managed.
Aesthetics
Zirconia offers a natural, tooth-colored look with no metal shine-through. This can be a strong choice for patients with thin gum tissue or implant placement in visible areas.
Biocompatibility
Zirconia is often chosen for a metal-free approach and may support healthy-looking gum tissue. Some studies suggest lower plaque adhesion on zirconia surfaces, depending on design and cleaning.
Ideal Candidates
A good option for patients who want metal-free materials, have metal sensitivities. Your medical history and healing factors will be reviewed to confirm candidacy.
Titanium
Strength & Longevity
Titanium remains the benchmark for mechanical strength and has decades of long-term clinical evidence. It is especially reliable for higher bite forces, complex restorations, and cases requiring maximum versatility.
Aesthetics
Titanium can look very natural with the right restoration and gum support. In thinner gums, a gray hue can sometimes show through, so the planning and material selection matter.
Biocompatibility
Titanium is widely used and well tolerated by most patients. Surface treatments and proven integration with bone contribute to consistent performance when combined with good home care and regular visits.
Ideal Candidates
A strong fit for most patients, including those with heavy bite forces or more complex needs. It is often the first choice when long-term data, flexibility, and strength are top priorities.
Personalized Material Selection at Our Bellevue Practice
We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Thomas will discuss your options in detail, review 3D imaging( when necessary), and help you choose based on your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you opt for titanium's proven track record or zirconia's metal-free benefits, both are designed to provide long-term support for crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations.
Ready to explore if ceramic or titanium implants are best for you? Book your appointment today for a consultation and personalized plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Implants
Are ceramic implants as strong as titanium?
Modern zirconia ceramic implants are very strong and can work well for many patients and tooth locations. Titanium is still the long-standing standard, especially for situations with very high bite forces. Your long-term success depends on bone support, accurate placement, and daily home care.
How long do ceramic implants last?
With consistent brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, ceramic implants can last for many years and, for some patients, decades. Longevity depends on factors like gum health, bite forces, and smoking status. We will review your risk factors and create a maintenance plan to protect your results.
Are ceramic implants right for me?
Ceramic implants may be a good option if you prefer a metal-free approach, have concerns about metal sensitivities, or want a highly aesthetic result, especially near the front teeth. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect healing, so we will review your health history and confirm candidacy during your initial consultation.