Material Choices for Implants

We’ve got a range of high-quality restoration materials to suit the implant needs of all your patients

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

The long-term reliability of PFM can hide metal abutments due to layering of opaque porcelain. Various gold alloy options are available. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Zirconia 

This metal-free solution is strong, attractive and opaque enough to hide metal abutments beneath it.

IPS e.max®

Lithium disilicate offers superb aesthetics but has structural limitations. If used on metal abutments, opaquing is needed.

For optimal anterior aesthetics, it should be placed over a Zirconia abutment.

Ceramic-Composite Hybrids

(eg. LavaUltimate CAD/CAM Restorative, CERAMAGE®)

These offer a more resilient, easily repaired material and cushion the implant against occlusal forces.

Some ceramic-composite hybrids can be:

  • Applied to a titanium or cobalt chromium abutment.
  • Bonded onto a titanium base.
  • Used as a cement-retained crown on a zirconia abutment.
  • Easily repaired.

Fully-milled Monolithic Zirconia 

A high-strength metal-free material produced using a CAD/CAM process allows excellent marginal adaptation, though care with adjustment is required. Careful case selection is necessary to minimise wear of the opposing dentition.

Ultra Translucent Zirconia

A new formula of Zirconia, offering a unique combination of translucency and strength, Ultra translucent Zirconia is a breakthrough given that traditionally Zirconia is considered a strong but opaque material with questionable aesthetics in anterior regions.

Material Options

PFM
PFZ
FMZir
Resin /
Hybrid Ceramics
IPS e.max®
Strength✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Longevity ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Cushioning ✓✓✓
Cost ✓✓✓✓✓✓
Aesthetics ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Indications Universal
Full Mouth
Crowns
Bridges
Implants
Crowns
Inlays/Onlays
Inlay Bridges/Maryland (Limited)
Bridges, Long-span Bridges
Crowns
Inlays/Onlays (Limited)
Cushioning/ Less Force
Transmitted to Implant
(Material Wears)
Crowns
Inlays/Onlays
Inlay Bridges/Maryland Bridges(Limited)
Bridges
Ability to be Repaired IntraorallyLimitedLimitedLimited But
Rarely Needed
ExcellentSome But
Still Limited