How to choose a dental implant brand: the lab's checklist
How to choose a dental implant brand from the prosthetic side: CAD libraries, scan bodies, Ti-bases, original and compatible parts, MDR documents and supply.
Clinics choose implant brands for surgical reasons: the implant design, the surgical kit, the evidence, the support of the rep. The prosthetic part is built in the lab, though, and an implant system without good digital support turns every restoration into extra work. This post is for clinicians choosing an implant brand and for labs advising them, and it lists what to check from the prosthetic and digital side. The surgical choice stays with the clinician.
CAD libraries
The lab designs on the implant in its CAD software, using the manufacturer’s library. Before a clinic adopts a system, check that libraries exist for the lab’s software, for example exocad, and that they cover every platform and connection the clinic will use. Libraries that are missing, outdated or incomplete are the most common reason why a case cannot be designed as planned. The posts on exocad implant libraries and TruAbutment libraries show what a complete library looks like.
Scan bodies
The scan body is how the implant position reaches the computer. It must exist for every platform, be available to the clinic and match the library in the lab. Clinics that scan intraorally also need it to scan well with their scanner. The post on scan body scanning covers the clinical side.
Ti-bases and abutments
Most single crowns and many bridges today sit on Ti-bases. Check which Ti-bases exist for the system, in which gingival heights, and whether angled screw channels are supported, which matters in the anterior region. The posts on angled screw channels in exocad and implant abutment types explain the options.
Original and compatible components
Compatible Ti-bases and abutments are common and can work well. The lab must know which components it uses, have the matching library and keep the manufacturer’s documentation, because it is responsible for the finished device under the MDR. The post on MDR and implant-compatible design files covers that responsibility.
Guided surgery and planning
Clinics that plan digitally should check that the system is supported in their planning software and that guided surgery kits exist. The posts on exoplan Guide Creator and Blue Sky Plan show two planning routes.
Supply and support
A system that is excellent elsewhere but slow to deliver in the country causes delays on every case. Ask how quickly scan bodies, Ti-bases and screws arrive, who answers technical questions and whether the system will still be supported in ten years, when the patient needs a new crown.
A short checklist
| Point | What to check |
|---|---|
| CAD library | Available for the lab’s software, all platforms |
| Scan bodies | Available, scan well, match the library |
| Ti-bases | Heights, angled channels, availability |
| Compatible parts | Libraries and documentation if used |
| Planning | Supported in the planning software, guided kits |
| Supply | Delivery times and technical support locally |
Labs and clinics that want a second opinion on how a new system fits their digital workflow can book workflow consulting.
Frequently asked questions
Why should the lab have a say in the implant brand?
Because the lab builds the prosthetic part. If the implant system has no CAD library, no scan body or no Ti-base for the planned restoration, the lab cannot design or produce it the way the clinician planned.
Are compatible components a problem?
Not in themselves. Compatible Ti-bases and abutments are widely used. The lab must know exactly which components it uses, have the matching CAD library and keep the manufacturer's documentation, since it is responsible for the finished device.
What should be checked before a clinic adopts a new system?
That CAD libraries exist for the lab's software, that scan bodies and Ti-bases are available for every platform, that angled screw channels are supported if needed, and that parts can be delivered quickly in the country.
Does the implant brand affect digital workflows?
Yes. Scan bodies, libraries, guided surgery kits and their integration with planning software differ between brands, and a gap in any of them adds manual steps or limits the options.