Which to choose?
Dental Implant popularity has increased dramatically since the mid 1930’s when it began being more accessible as well as available to the public.
The popularity of dental implants has grown over the years mostly due to the advanced technology that has made it more and more ‘user friendly’ to those needing them. The advanced research has brought dental implants into a world where customers are now enjoying a better lifestyle at affordable prices.
The variety of treatments and methods for dental implants have grown and improved over the years, using better, stronger, lighter materials which have redefined the experience of those needing said implants. Optimal functionality has become the key to success when providing the service of dental implant options.
Two of the most popular materials from which dental implants are produced today are: Cobalt Chrome vs. Titanium.
Both hold many positive attributes which have made them by far more popular than other materials.
Naturally, each material has its own unique properties which make them optimal for use in different circumstances or patients.
The Titan known as Titanium.
Titanium abutments are an obvious choice when considering materials for dental implants as it is remarkably bio compatible and has excellent mechanical properties. The surface of titanium is so successful in its bio compatibility due to the stable formation of oxide layer on its surface.
Titanium is classified into 5 different grades, differing due to the oxygen content in the material itself (Grade 1 having the least oxygen content, Grade 5 having the most oxygen content).
At Edison Medical™ we use Grade 5 ELI formerly known as Ti-6AL-4V-ELI (Grade 5).
ELI is short for “Extra Low Interstitials” providing better resistance to fracturing and more ductility.
Titanium is such a favorable material due to its optimal combination of light weight, high strength to weight ratio, elasticity, extremely high corrosion resistance and excellent general bio compatibility.
Medical Titanium is a stable alloy and can not be heated above 700 ° C without affecting it since during high heating Titanium absorbs mainly nitrogen, carbon and other kinds of impurities that naturally change its composition and properties, thus becoming irrelevant for dental reconstruction.
Any rehabilitation based on non-heating Titanium is preferable as it is a non-oxidizing metal, is difficult to stabilize and significantly easier than other metals.
One disadvantage that comes up with the use of Titanium for dental implants is it’s color.
Due to the grey hue that Titanium abutments have, it is sometimes more visible through thin surfaces and mucosa, which may cause a “less natural” look to the patient and thus might leave them less satisfied.
Completely Cobalt Chrome
Cobalt Chrome (aka CoCr) has been in use in the world of dentistry for decades now.
CoCr became more popular once it was understood that it was bio compatible and could be used for medical purposes. The first use of CoCr as a medical tool was during the 20th century. In the 60’s the first CoCr heart valve was transplanted.
Since Cobalt Chrome has such outstanding resistance, an increased corrosion resistance, high melting threshold, highly bio compatible and extremely strong at high temperatures makes it the optimal material to use in the medical world, dental implants not being an exception. Moreover, CoCr provides a more affordable, cost effective solution from other materials while still retaining all of its positive properties. CoCr is a great candidate for creating extremely accurate and detailed oriented castings, thus enabling the option of producing customized implants.
Cobalt Chrome does not lose its properties when it is elevated to high temperatures - remains stable. Metals based on CoCr are exceedingly strong in cutting and breaking forces and the reason why they have been used for decades now in the world of dentistry and dental implants in particular. Only in very few cases has it been recorded that due to the metal released from the CoCr, was there may be an allergic reaction of some sort or eczema of the skin.
Bottom Line
Dental Implants have been around for a very long time, however modern dentistry as we know it today has taken matters a few steps further. Be it in the uncompromising precision of the implants used (such as Cobalt Chrome vs, Titanium), the procedures themselves for the patients undergoing dental procedures, the materials which are used which affect the patient directly as well as the longevity for which they last.
All these properties and attributes have made dental implants extremely popular among patients and a first form of treatment making a breakthrough into the mainstream of oral medicine.
Our UCLA abutments are produced from cobalt chrome ( as well as titanium and gold), with a machine base which offers a precise and strong products. The design of our UCLA abutments took into account to assist with angel related issues (providing a possible angle adjustment of up to 30 degrees when custom made) as well as a lack/ too much depth. Through the combination of a plastic sleeve and a metal base, the UCLA abutment provides precision that has rarely been seen before.
At Edison Medical™ we pride ourselves in holding our products to the highest standards. Be it in the manufacturing process of our items, to the rigorous quality control conducted throughout the entire process, to the variety we offer our clients and the premium quality of the materials we choose to work with such as Cobalt Chrome vs. Titanium. We invite you to learn more about our Premium Quality Dental implants, you will not only be purchasing products you will be proud to work with, you will be gaining a friendship with a company that values your business.
