Case Discussion: Biomet 3i Encode System
Posted on 07/10/2013
One of the challenges faced by the general dentist in implant dentistry is the impression taking technique. Most systems utilize a metal device called an impression coping which is screwed down to the implant using either the open tray or closed tray technique.
Both techniques, however, are subject to error. The open tray technique, while generally more accurate, does allow for errors when removing the tray. Often, the impression coping will move slightly during removal or during fitting of the analog. Even a slight movement allows for error in the model. The close tray technique is subject to a different error – misplacement back into the impression. Properly designed impression copings have only one way to seat into an impression. However, there are many impression coping systems that do not have an ideal anti-rotational design which often leads to misplacement in the impression.
To address this issue, the Biomet 3i Bellatek Encode system designed the impression technique around the healing cap (cover screw). The doctor takes an impression of the healing cap either digitally or with a PVS material and send it to the lab. The healing cap is specially designed for this purpose and has a groove which indicates the position of the implant. The lab has the option of pouring a traditional model and either scanning it, or sending the model directly to Biomet 3i for fabrication of the abutment.
Biomet 3i will then mill the abutment from the scanned file and also robotically place the analog in the model.
This technique is an excellent way to avoid errors. But it does require a learning curve. For example, the impression of the healing cap must allow for at least 1mm of height of the healing cap. If it does not, an abutment cannot be scanned. In a recent case in our lab, the original impression did not yield that 1mm height and the patient was forced to come back for a second impression.
One other consideration here is cost. The traditional impression allows for the use of a pre-fabricated abutment or a cast UCLA abutment. This is typically more economical than the Encode system which is priced at a premium.
Here is a look at a recent Bellatek Encode case:
Both techniques, however, are subject to error. The open tray technique, while generally more accurate, does allow for errors when removing the tray. Often, the impression coping will move slightly during removal or during fitting of the analog. Even a slight movement allows for error in the model. The close tray technique is subject to a different error – misplacement back into the impression. Properly designed impression copings have only one way to seat into an impression. However, there are many impression coping systems that do not have an ideal anti-rotational design which often leads to misplacement in the impression.
To address this issue, the Biomet 3i Bellatek Encode system designed the impression technique around the healing cap (cover screw). The doctor takes an impression of the healing cap either digitally or with a PVS material and send it to the lab. The healing cap is specially designed for this purpose and has a groove which indicates the position of the implant. The lab has the option of pouring a traditional model and either scanning it, or sending the model directly to Biomet 3i for fabrication of the abutment.
Biomet 3i will then mill the abutment from the scanned file and also robotically place the analog in the model.
This technique is an excellent way to avoid errors. But it does require a learning curve. For example, the impression of the healing cap must allow for at least 1mm of height of the healing cap. If it does not, an abutment cannot be scanned. In a recent case in our lab, the original impression did not yield that 1mm height and the patient was forced to come back for a second impression.
One other consideration here is cost. The traditional impression allows for the use of a pre-fabricated abutment or a cast UCLA abutment. This is typically more economical than the Encode system which is priced at a premium.
Here is a look at a recent Bellatek Encode case:
Implant Abutment, Biomet 3i, Encode, Custom Abutment
- Abutment - Large Photo : http://goo.gl/e9QV0
