Another way to restore your smile. A metal-free implant option for patients who prefer to avoid titanium — recommended only when it suits your case.
Ceramic dental implants are metal-free implants made of zirconia, a tooth-coloured, highly biocompatible material. At Costa Rica Dental in San José, they are offered to suitable patients who prefer to avoid titanium. They are an excellent option in selected cases, but titanium still has more long-term research and more restorative options, so your specialist compares both for you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ileana Porras, Prosthodontist · Last updated: 2026-09-27
Ceramic implants are made from zirconium dioxide (zirconia), a high-strength ceramic. They replace the root of a missing tooth like a titanium implant, and support a crown once the bone has bonded with the implant.
They are white, so no grey metal can show through thin gums, and they are chosen by patients who want a metal-free mouth or have concerns about metals.
| Zirconia (ceramic) | Titanium | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Metal-free ceramic (zirconium dioxide) | Titanium alloy |
| Colour | White / tooth-coloured | Grey metal |
| Gum response | Very favourable soft-tissue response | Good |
| Long-term research | Growing, shorter history | Decades of research |
| Design options | Often one-piece; fewer prosthetic options | Many components and restorative options |
| Best for | Front teeth with thin gums, metal-free preference | Most cases, full-arch treatment, heavy biters |
| Relative cost | Usually higher | Standard |
Ceramic implants may be less suitable for heavy teeth grinding (bruxism), some full-arch cases or areas with limited bone. In those cases we explain why titanium may be the more predictable choice.
Zirconia implants usually cost somewhat more than titanium because of the material and manufacturing. Compared with typical US prices, patients still commonly save 50–70%.
| Treatment | Typical US range | Costa Rica Dental (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Single dental implant with crown | $3,000 – $6,500 | $1,600 per implant |
| Zirconia (ceramic) implant with crown | $4,000 – $7,000 | $2,200 per implant with crown |
| All-on-Four, one arch (final fixed teeth) | $20,000 – $35,000+ | $12,500 per arch |
| All-on-Four, both arches | $40,000 – $70,000+ | $25,000 total ($12,500 per arch) |
| Porcelain veneers | $2,000 – $3,000 per unit | $550 per tooth |
| Dental crown | $1,200 – $1,800 each | $500 per tooth |
| Zirconia crown | $1,200 – $2,500 | $550 per tooth |
| Root canal (molar) | $1,000 – $1,800 | Included in your free estimate |
US ranges are typical published estimates and vary by city and provider. Costa Rica Dental prices are starting points; your final quote is confirmed after your in-person evaluation and 3D imaging. Flights and lodging are not included.
Not universally. Zirconia is metal-free, white and very gum-friendly, which makes it attractive in selected cases. Titanium has longer research and more restorative options. The better choice depends on your bone, bite and priorities.
The implant body is ceramic (zirconium dioxide). When combined with a zirconia or ceramic crown, the restoration can be entirely metal-free.
Modern zirconia implants show good results in the studies available, although they have a shorter track record than titanium. Good hygiene and regular check-ups are key for any implant.
Full-arch treatment is most commonly done with titanium implants because of the components and forces involved. Metal-free full-arch options are evaluated case by case.
Share your goals and records. Our specialists will compare zirconia and titanium for your case.