Zirconia vs Acrylic Implants in Calgary: Why Material Matters
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gregory Broyde, DDS ·
At SmileNow, we recommend premium Zirconia for dental implant restorations. Discover why material quality is the most important decision you'll make for your long-term oral health.
Your Implant Material is a Long-Term 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.
Acrylic (a type of plastic) costs less, and we do offer it. At SmileNow, we recommend Zirconia, a premium ceramic material that offers greater 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.
Zirconia vs Acrylic: Side-by-Side Comparison
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
|
✗
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
|
| 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
|
Durability
Exceptionally strong, fracture-resistant
Prone to chipping and cracking
Expected Lifespan
20+ years
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
Total Cost (20 years)
One-time investment
Multiple replacements = higher cost
Watch: Are Zirconia Implants Worth It?
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.
Crafted In-House
Your zirconia bridge is designed and milled in our in-house lab, so shade, shape and bite are refined with Dr. Broyde rather than shipped out to a third-party lab.
Adjustments take days, not weeks, because the lab is in our office.
Long-Term Durability
With proper care, Zirconia implants can last 20+ years or longer. 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 Recommend Zirconia Over 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 compared with zirconia 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 the years, 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 recommend Zirconia because we believe your smile deserves the best material available. Acrylic (PMMA) is offered as a lower-cost option, and we will walk you through the trade-offs at your consultation.
Watch: What Acrylic Looks Like Years Later
True Cost Over Time
Why investing in Zirconia saves money in the long run
One Investment
Initial Procedure
Premium Zirconia implants installed
No Replacement Needed
Still going strong
No Replacement Needed
Still looking great
No Replacement Needed
Long-term durability
Total Procedures Over 20 Years
1
One and done
Repeated Costs
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
The Math is Clear
Even if Zirconia costs 30-40% more initially, you'll spend far less over the years 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 preferred choice
Zirconia's exceptional strength means excellent durability and fracture resistance
Clinical studies show Zirconia implants lasting decades with proper care
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 strength and aesthetics make it the preferred choice among experienced dentists who prioritize long-term patient outcomes.
Major dental research institutions consistently rank Zirconia above 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 long-term investment. At SmileNow, we recommend premium Zirconia because you deserve materials built to last.
Have questions? Call us at (403) 879-7880 or visit our Calgary clinic at 7337 Macleod Trail SW