Abutments play a crucial role in the digital workflow of dental implant restorations, connecting the implant fixture to the dental prosthesis. As the field of digital dentistry continues to advance, it is essential to understand the differences between various types of dental implant abutments available in the market. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between abutments and discuss the best and most commonly used options. Understanding these differences will empower dental professionals to make informed decisions when choosing the most suitable abutments for their digital implant restorations.
- Traditional Abutments: Traditional abutments are widely used in digital implant dentistry. These abutments are typically made of titanium or titanium alloy and replicate the shape and size of the final implant-supported restoration. Traditional abutments offer excellent accuracy and stability during scanning, making them a reliable choice for capturing implant position and orientation. They are compatible with most implant systems and provide a proven and cost-effective solution for digital implant workflows.
- Multi-Unit Abutments: Multi-unit abutments are designed for cases involving multiple implants and are used to support fixed or removable dental prostheses. These abutments allow for angulation correction and flexibility in implant positioning, especially in cases where implants are not ideally aligned. Multi-unit abutments offer a versatile solution for achieving optimal esthetics and functionality in complex implant-supported restorations. They provide a platform to connect multiple implants and ensure a harmonious prosthetic outcome.
- Customized Abutments: Customized abutments are individually designed and fabricated to precisely fit a specific implant site and emergence profile. These abutments provide enhanced esthetics and soft tissue contouring, ensuring a seamless integration between the implant and the final restoration. Customized abutments offer the advantage of precise replication of the natural tooth morphology, resulting in optimal esthetic outcomes. They allow for greater customization and personalization, catering to individual patient needs and anatomical considerations.
- Pre-Milled Abutments: Pre-milled abutments are prefabricated abutments available in various sizes and shapes. These abutments are manufactured with precision and offer a cost-effective and time-saving solution for digital scanning and prosthetic fabrication. Pre-milled abutments can be further customized by milling or contouring the emergence profile, allowing for greater flexibility in achieving desired esthetics. They provide a convenient and efficient option for clinicians, saving chairside time and reducing laboratory costs.
- Zirconia Abutments: Zirconia abutments have gained popularity due to their excellent biocompatibility, natural tooth-like appearance, and superior esthetics. These abutments are made of zirconia, a ceramic material known for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Zirconia abutments offer optimal esthetics, especially in cases where a highly translucent and lifelike appearance is desired. They provide a metal-free alternative and are particularly suitable for patients with thin gingival biotypes or those with a high smile line.
- Titanium Base with Ceramic or Composite Overlay: Titanium abutments with ceramic or composite overlays combine the strength and reliability of titanium with the esthetic advantages of ceramic or composite materials. These abutments feature a titanium base for stability and a customized overlay made of ceramic or composite to achieve the desired esthetic outcome. This combination allows for both durability and esthetics in implant-supported restorations. The titanium base provides a strong foundation
Here are some of the well-known companies that offer abutments for dental implants:
- Straumann: Straumann offers a wide range of abutments, including their Variobase and Variobase CAD/CAM abutments, which are compatible with various implant systems.
- Nobel Biocare: Nobel Biocare provides abutments such as their Multi-unit Abutment System and Procera Implant Bridge System, offering flexibility and esthetic options for implant-supported restorations.
- Zimmer Biomet: Zimmer Biomet offers abutments like their TSV (Tapered Screw-Vent) Abutment, which ensures accurate scanning and enables seamless integration with their implant systems.
- Dentsply Sirona: Dentsply Sirona offers abutments, including their ATLANTIS Abutment system, which allows for customized abutments based on patient-specific needs.
- MIS Implants: MIS Implants provides abutments like their MIS CONNECT Abutment, designed for precise scanning and optimal esthetics in implant restorations.
- BioHorizons: BioHorizons offers abutments such as their Encode Impression System, which simplifies the impression process and enhances efficiency in restorative workflows.
- CAMLOG: CAMLOG offers abutments compatible with their implant systems, allowing for accurate digital impressions and efficient prosthetic planning.
- Anthogyr: Anthogyr provides abutments, including their Axiom® Multi-Level Abutment, which offers flexibility in angulation correction and customization for implant restorations.
- 3Shape: While not a manufacturer of butments specifically, 3Shape is a renowned dental CAD/CAM system provider that offers software solutions for designing custom abutments.
- Dental Wings: Dental Wings offers abutments compatible with their software platform, facilitating accurate digital impressions and efficient prosthetic design.
These companies are known for their quality products and commitment to innovation in the field of digital dentistry. It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are several other reputable manufacturers in the market. Dentists and dental technicians should evaluate their specific needs, compatibility with implant systems, and patient requirements when selecting abutments from these or other trusted companies.
