Zirconia Arches vs. Dentures: Weighing Your Options 
When it comes to replacing a full arch of missing teeth, patients today have more choices than ever. At DiBartola Dental, patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches often bring up two popular options: zirconia arches and traditional dentures.
Bridgeville, PA, restorative dentist, Dr. Wayne DiBartola has created this guide to help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision about your dental health. Keep reading to learn more or call our Allegheny County dental practice at (412) 221-9440.
Understanding Zirconia Arches and Dentures
Zirconia arches are a modern full-mouth restoration solution. These custom-milled, single-piece prosthetics replace all teeth in an arch and are typically supported by dental implants. Traditional dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can be full or partial, depending on your needs.
Cost Considerations
Zirconia Arches
- Initial Investment: Higher, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 per arch
- Long-Term Value: Potentially more cost-effective due to durability and longevity
- Maintenance: Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene
Traditional Dentures
- Initial Cost: Lower, typically $1,000 to $3,000 per arch for basic dentures
- Long-Term Expenses: May increase due to more frequent replacements and adjustments
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning, overnight soaking, and periodic adjustments
Dentures & Zirconia Arches Benefits Comparison
Zirconia Arches Advantages
- Exceptional Stability and Comfort: Zirconia arches are securely anchored to dental implants, providing a stable and comfortable fit that closely mimics natural teeth.
- Natural Appearance and Function: These arches are custom-designed to match your facial features and smile, offering a highly natural look and feel.
- Improved Chewing Efficiency: With zirconia arches, patients can enjoy a bite force similar to natural teeth, allowing them to eat a wide variety of foods without restrictions.
- Bone Preservation: The dental implants supporting zirconia arches stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain facial structure.
- Low Maintenance: Zirconia arches can be cared for much like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing, eliminating the need for special cleaning routines.
- Long-lasting Durability: With proper care, zirconia arches can last 15 years or more, often providing a lifetime solution for tooth replacement.
- Boost in Confidence: The natural look and feel of zirconia arches can significantly improve self-esteem and social confidence.
Traditional Dentures Advantages
- Lower Upfront Cost: Traditional dentures are generally more affordable initially, making them accessible to a wider range of patients.
- Non-invasive Procedure: Dentures don’t require surgery, making them suitable for patients who cannot undergo implant procedures due to health reasons.
- Quicker Treatment Process: Patients can typically receive their dentures within a few weeks, compared to the months-long process for zirconia arches.
- Easy Adjustments: Dentures can be easily modified if changes in mouth structure occur, ensuring a comfortable fit over time.
- Removable for Cleaning: The ability to remove dentures allows for thorough cleaning and gives the mouth tissues time to rest.
- Improved Facial Appearance: Dentures help restore facial structure lost due to missing teeth, improving overall appearance.
- Various Material Options: Patients can choose from different materials and quality levels to suit their budget and preferences.
Potential Drawbacks of Zirconia Arches and Dentures
Zirconia Arches Considerations
- Higher Initial Cost: The upfront investment for zirconia arches is significantly higher than traditional dentures, which may be prohibitive for some patients.
- Surgical Procedure Required: Dental implant surgery is necessary to support zirconia arches, which may not be suitable for all patients due to health concerns or anxiety.
- Longer Treatment Time: The entire process, from implant placement to final arch fitting, can take several months to complete.
- Non-reversible Process: Once natural teeth are removed and replaced with implants and zirconia arches, the process cannot be undone.
Traditional Dentures Considerations
- Potential instability: Dentures may slip or move during eating or speaking, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
- Reduced Chewing Efficiency: The bite force with dentures is significantly lower than with natural teeth or implant-supported options, limiting food choices.
- Gradual Bone Loss: Without stimulation from tooth roots or implants, the jawbone may deteriorate over time, leading to changes in facial structure.
- Regular Adjustments Needed: As the jaw shape changes, dentures require periodic relining to maintain a proper fit.
- Daily Removal and Cleaning Required: Dentures need to be removed and cleaned daily, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
- Possible Discomfort: Ill-fitting dentures can cause sore spots and discomfort, especially as the mouth changes shape over time.
- Shorter Lifespan: Traditional dentures typically need replacement every five to seven years, more frequently than zirconia arches.
The DiBartola Dental Approach
At DiBartola Dental, we understand the importance of this decision. Dr. DiBartola and our team offer:
- Comprehensive consultations
- Detailed explanations of all options
- State-of-the-art technology for treatment planning
- Customized treatment plans
- Skilled care throughout your journey
Additionally, we offer a special on single-arch replacement with zirconia arches! That way, patients who opt for Zirconia arches can better afford their treatment.
Your Path to a Confident Smile Starts Here, Call Today!
At DiBartola Dental, we’re committed to helping you navigate this decision and providing top-quality care, regardless of your choice. Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Take the first step towards a restored smile. Contact DiBartola Dental today at (412) 221-9440 to schedule your consultation in Bridgeville, PA. Let us help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.