When considering All-on-X dental implants, an important question to ask your dentist is: What material will your final set of teeth be made from?
While every patient wants a smile that looks natural and lasts for years, not all implant materials are created equal. The two most common options for full-arch restorations are acrylic and zirconia. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision that impacts not only your smile but also your confidence, comfort, and long-term investment.
In this article, we’ll compare zirconia vs. acrylic in detail, so you can feel confident about which choice is right for you.
Before diving into the differences, let’s quickly define these two materials:
Zirconia Teeth: Zirconia is a type of high-strength ceramic that is milled from a solid puck. It is known for its exceptional durability, natural translucency, and resistance to chips, cracks, and stains. Zirconia restorations are often called the “gold standard” for modern implant dentistry.
When it comes to your smile, aesthetics matter just as much as function.
Acrylic: Offers a decent cosmetic improvement, but can sometimes look bulkier or less natural over time. Because it is resin-based, it lacks the translucency of natural teeth. Over years of wear, acrylic can stain, discolor, or wear down.
Zirconia: Zirconia closely mimics the appearance of natural enamel with lifelike translucency. Custom shading and polishing allow for a highly aesthetic, individualized result. Zirconia maintains its color and brightness for decades with proper care.
The material you choose will affect how long your smile lasts and how much maintenance you may need.
Acrylic: Softer material, which makes it more prone to chipping, breaking, or wearing down. According to the Journal of Prosthodontics, acrylic prosthetics may require repair or replacement every 5–7 years. More susceptible to damage from harder foods like nuts, crusty bread, or ice.
Zirconia: Incredibly strong and resistant to fractures - up to 10 times stronger than acrylic. According to the Journal of Dentistry, zirconia full-arch prosthetics have a survival rate of 95%+ over 10 years. Handles daily wear, chewing, and biting forces with ease.
Comfort is a big factor in whether you’ll love your new smile.
Acrylic: Bulkier design to ensure durability, which can sometimes feel less natural. May trap odors or bacteria if not cleaned properly. Lighter weight, which some patients find more comfortable in the short term.
Zirconia: Custom milled from a solid block, resulting in a precise, snug fit. Slimmer, more streamlined design feels more natural in the mouth. Smooth surface reduces plaque buildup and makes cleaning easier.
Everyone wants their smile to stay bright and clean, even after years of use.
Acrylic: Porous material that easily absorbs stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking. Teeth often need to be polished or replaced to restore their appearance.
Zirconia: Highly resistant to staining and discoloration. Non-porous surface keeps plaque and bacteria from adhering as easily. With regular brushing and dental checkups, zirconia maintains a fresh, bright look for decades.
Cost is often the deciding factor, but it’s important to weigh short-term savings against long-term value.
Acrylic: Lower upfront cost, making it initially attractive. However, frequent repairs, replacements, and adjustments add up over time. Patients may end up paying more in the long run.
Zirconia: Higher initial cost due to premium materials and advanced manufacturing. Minimal maintenance and far greater longevity make it the more cost-effective choice over time. Many patients see it as a one-time investment in their smile and quality of life.
The ability to eat your favorite foods is one of the biggest benefits of dental implants.
Acrylic: Provides basic function but may feel limited when biting harder foods. Repairs may be needed if teeth chip under pressure.
Zirconia: Strong enough to withstand high chewing forces. Allows patients to eat a wide variety of foods confidently, including steak, apples, and crunchy snacks.
Daily care plays a role in both oral health and the longevity of your prosthetic.
Acrylic: More porous, which means more prone to harboring bacteria and odors. Requires more frequent professional cleanings and at-home maintenance.
Zirconia: Smooth, non-porous surface resists plaque buildup. Easier to clean at home and requires fewer maintenance visits.
If you’re investing in All-on-X dental implants, the material you choose for your final teeth matters just as much as the implants themselves. While acrylic can work as a short-term solution, zirconia stands out as the strongest, most natural-looking, and longest-lasting option.
At Stubbs Dental, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your smile. Our experienced team will walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and design a treatment plan that gives you the confidence and function you deserve.
Ready to take the next step toward a smile that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth? Schedule your complimentary consultation with Stubbs Dental today to see if you’re a candidate for All-on-X dental implants.