Titanium Grade 5 vs. CP Titanium: Choosing the Right Alloy for Implants

The choice of material is one of the most important factors in dental implant manufacturing. Distributors, labs, and clinicians rely on alloys that not only perform well in the mouth but also deliver strength, biocompatibility, and long-term stability. Two materials dominate the conversation: Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) and Commercially Pure (CP) Titanium.

Both are widely used in implantology, but each has distinct properties that impact design, manufacturing, and clinical outcomes. This article breaks down the differences, benefits, and considerations for each, so you can make informed decisions about which alloy best fits your business needs.

What Is CP Titanium?

Commercially Pure (CP) Titanium is titanium in its pure form, with very small amounts of oxygen, iron, and other trace elements. It’s available in grades 1 through 4, each with slightly different strength and ductility.

CP Titanium is known for:

• Excellent biocompatibility

• High resistance to corrosion

• Good ductility, making it easy to machine and shape

• Lower strength compared to titanium alloys
  
  

It has been used for decades in implantology because of how well it integrates with bone. However, its softer nature means it may not perform as well in cases that involve high bite forces or when thinner implant walls are required.

What Is Titanium Grade 5?

Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is an alloy made of titanium with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. The “ELI” version (Extra Low Interstitial) is specifically developed for medical applications.

Titanium Grade 5 is known for:

• Very high strength-to-weight ratio

• Outstanding fatigue resistance under repeated chewing forces

• Strong corrosion resistance

• Excellent biocompatibility

• Proven clinical history in dental and orthopedic implants

Because of these properties, Titanium Grade 5 has become the material of choice for most modern implants and abutments.

How Do They Compare?

Strength and Fatigue Resistance

• CP Titanium has lower tensile and fatigue strength, which can limit implant design options.

• Titanium Grade 5 offers nearly double the strength, making it suitable for narrow implants and abutments under higher loads.
  
  

Corrosion Resistance

• Both materials resist corrosion in the oral environment, even under acidic conditions.
  
  

Biocompatibility

• Both integrate well with bone, but Titanium Grade 5 provides higher mechanical stability without sacrificing tissue compatibility.
  
  

Ease of Manufacturing

• CP Titanium is softer and easier to machine.

• Titanium Grade 5 requires more precise machining but results in a stronger component.
  
  

Cost Considerations

• CP Titanium can be slightly cheaper to source and process.

• Titanium Grade 5 costs more to machine, but the added performance often makes it the better investment for long-term reliability.
  
  

Why OEM Dent Uses Titanium Grade 5

At OEM Dent, Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is the preferred material for implants and prosthetics. It provides the strength, durability, and clinical performance that distributors and labs can depend on. While CP Titanium remains an option in certain cases, Grade 5 offers the best balance of strength and safety.

For surgical tools and analogs, OEM Dent also works with medical-grade stainless steel, selected for its corrosion resistance and versatility.

Key Takeaways Checklist

• CP Titanium: biocompatible and corrosion resistant, but lower strength.

• Titanium Grade 5: stronger, more fatigue resistant, equally biocompatible.

• Both integrate with bone, but Titanium Grade 5 offers greater design flexibility.

• OEM Dent prioritizes Titanium Grade 5 for implants and prosthetics to ensure consistent results.
  
  

FAQs

1. Why not use CP Titanium for all implants?
While CP Titanium is safe and biocompatible, its lower strength makes it less suitable for high-load or narrow implant designs.

2. Is Titanium Grade 5 safe for patients?
Yes. The “ELI” version used by OEM Dent is certified for medical use and extensively studied in implantology.

3. Can I request CP Titanium instead?
No. OEMDent uses only Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) because it offers superior strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability compared to CP Titanium.

4. Do both materials integrate with bone?
Yes. Both CP Titanium and Titanium Grade 5 achieve strong osseointegration.

5. Does Titanium Grade 5 increase costs significantly?
Not with OEM Dent. Volume-based pricing and efficient manufacturing keep costs competitive.

Final Takeaway

Material choice is a critical factor in implant success. CP Titanium offers purity and biocompatibility but comes with strength limitations. Titanium Grade 5 delivers superior performance, durability, and design flexibility, which is why it has become the industry standard.

For distributors and labs looking for long-term reliability, sourcing implants made from Titanium Grade 5 ensures confidence in every case. To see how this material is used in practice, visit OEM Dent’s implant collection.

References

1. Elias CN, Lima JHC, Valiev R, Meyers MA. Biomedical applications of titanium and its alloys: The material of choice. Prog Mater Sci. 2008;53(5):848-873.
   https://meyersgroup.ucsd.edu/papers/journals/Meyers%20316.pdf
   
   

2. Long M, Rack HJ. Titanium alloys in total joint replacement—a materials science perspective. Biomaterials. 1998;19(18):1621-1639. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961297001464
   
   

3. Geetha M, Singh AK, Asokamani R, Gogia AK. Ti based biomaterials, the ultimate choice for orthopaedic implants – A review. Prog Mater Sci. 2009;54(3):397-425.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079642508001126