Quality, Cost Savings on Custom Abutments

Compatibility with all major platforms, split-file technology create efficient process

By Leon Hermanides, CDT

The concept of CAD/CAM implant abutments has been around for many years. As the versatility of 3Shape’s scanning and design software developed, so has the ability for any laboratory to design implant abutments for milling with an outsource vendor. For our company, the ArgenIS abutment has been a great solution.

The ability to rely on a predictable product is extremely important to us when we use an outsource component. When our laboratory was selecting a manufacturer for custom abutments, the most important elements that we sought were:

1. High-quality materials;

2. Compatibility with all major platforms;

3. Split-file technology;

4. A full digital solution; and

5. A system that can produce a digital model from a variety of systems.

ArgenIS custom abutments fulfilled these criteria and met our highest expectations. In addition, ArgenIS custom abutments arrive ready for the mouth. There is no need to post-process, polish, or finish. This ensures accuracy and 100% representation of the original design.

Our laboratory’s ability to leverage the technology is enhanced by a selection of implant abutment materials. We have complete flexibility to choose between titanium, gold-shaded titanium, or hybrid zirconia implant abutments. Additionally, screw-retained options are available in the hybrid zirconia material or in the SLM (selective laser melting) alloy option.

The benefit to our customers is significant cost savings compared with traditional means of fabrication. The benefit to the dental laboratory is the opportunity to develop a significant profit generator.

For dental laboratories using other Argen Digital products, the ability to have both the abutment and the restoration manufactured concurrently, using split-file technology, creates a significant improvement in production efficiency. No longer does the laboratory have to wait to receive the abutment before fabricating either a substructure or restoration, losing valuable turnaround time. A great example is the opportunity to have the titanium ArgenIS abutment milled at the same time as the ArgenZ restoration is being milled and sintered; they then return to the laboratory together for final processing and delivery to the dentist.

One concern voiced by customers about using an outsource vendor for implant abutments is the warranty of the fixtures being voided by the implant company. The ArgenIS abutment warranty covers both the abutment and the implant itself; hence, I have no reservations recommending ArgenIS abutments to my clients.

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.

Key Takeaways

› Abutments arrive ready for the mouth, with no need to post-process, polish, or finish.
› Complete flexibility to choose between titanium, gold-shaded titanium, or hybrid zirconia implant abutments, as well as screw-retained options.
› Ability to have both the abutment and the restoration manufactured concurrently, using split-file technology.
› Abutment warranty covers both the abutment and the implant itself.

Manufacturer Contact Information

Argen Digital
argendigital.com
844-469-0701

Leon Hermanides, CDT
Owner
Protea Dental Studio, Inc.
Redmond, Washington
Clinical Instructor
Kois Center
Seattle, Washington