Implant component material
Abutment Materials
The abutment — the connector piece between the implant post and the crown — can be made from titanium, zirconia, or a titanium base with a zirconia overlay, each with different gum tissue appearance and strength characteristics.
Common uses
- Connecting the implant post to the visible crown
- Supporting the crown at the correct height and angle above the gumline
Advantages
- + Zirconia abutments eliminate the grayish tone titanium can impart to surrounding gum tissue
- + Titanium abutments are stronger and well established for high-load situations
- + Hybrid titanium-base zirconia abutments combine the connection strength of titanium with the appearance benefits of zirconia
Limitations
- − Zirconia abutments are slightly more brittle than titanium for very high-load applications
- − Custom abutments (regardless of material) add to overall treatment cost versus stock options
Frequently asked questions
Does the abutment material affect how my gum tissue looks?+
Yes — a titanium abutment can create a subtle grayish tone visible through the gum tissue around the implant, which is why zirconia or hybrid abutments are often preferred for front teeth with thin gum tissue.
Can I have a zirconia implant post with a titanium abutment?+
Not typically — one-piece zirconia systems have an integrated post-and-abutment; two-piece zirconia systems generally use a zirconia or hybrid abutment specifically designed for the ceramic post.