Traditionally most dental implants are made from titanium alloys (see titanium dental implants). Commercial titanium is generally available in four grades depending on the ratio of carbon and iron included in the alloy. Titanium-based alloys can easily integrate into the jawbones of a patient. These alloys are highly bio-compatible and have been successfully used as artificial tooth root.

Implant is the root of an artificial tooth. The top part is the part that sticks out of your gum and it is generally known as dental crowns. See dental crowns by Pure Dentistry to get more information about dental crown options in general. Traditionally, implant crowns have been mostly porcelain to metal (PFM). They are fabricated using noble alloys that are resistant to corrosion. Some dentists use all-porcelain dental crowns that have a history of possible fracture due to forces and pressure onto the implant post in the bone.

As mentioned above, traditionally dental implant posts are mostly in metal color. Therefore using full-porcelain crowns does not provide a huge advantage compared to PFM crowns.

The connection between the metal implant and the white crown has posted an aesthetic challenge for the cosmetic dentists. But that is about to change. Until now, with the metal implants, should the gum retract, the metal implant becomes visible and patients with metal implants are faced with this aesthetic challenge.

Researches are working on change of the color of the implant posts. The aim is to find suitable white coatings for titanium dental implants that are bio-compatible and robust for dental use.

Researchers have identified Tribocorrosion to be the main cause of dental implant failures. Tribocorrosion  is the degradetion process of materials due to combined effects of wear and corrosion. Some manufacturers have studied this process and the underlying mechanisms to improve the quality of their implants.

According to implant manufacturers, implant surface modifications and enhancements are essential to prevent Tribocorrosion.

Implant manufacturers are aiming to develop new dental implant materials that to reduce tribocorrosion. This can be achieved by suitable coats on the implant or use of nobler alloys.

For more information about dental crowns see Pure Dentistry in Brisbane 07 3343 4869 11/1932-1974 Logan Road, upper mount Gravatt, Queensland 4122