Clinical
The secrets of implant success
How the implant-abutment connection holds the key to prosthetic success, by Dr Gerald A. Niznick
I
n ı99ı, Compendium published an article by Dr Gerald Niznick entitled ‘The implant-abutment connection: Key to pros-
thetic success’. The principles Dr Niznick expounded 20 years ago are even more valid today with Implant Direct’s broad line of application-specific and industry-compatible implants shown by the company’s one- and two-piece implants below. Dr Gerald Niznick, a pros- thodontist, revolutionised the implant industry with the introduction of the Screw-Vent implant in ı986 (now sold by Zimmer Dental) with its patented internal connection platform that featured a lead-in bevel for lateral stability and an internal hex for insertion and accurate transfer capa- bilities (Niznick – US Patent
#4,960,38ı). This implant-abut- ment connection has become the cornerstone of modern implant design, licensed to eight implant companies and copied by many others following the expiration of the patent in 2007. One such replication is the
lead-in bevel/internal hex of Nobel Biocare’s NobelAc- tive implant. Whether the lead-in bevel is 45 degrees, as in the original Screw-Vent implant, or 82 degrees (Strau- mann), 79 degrees (Astra) or 78 degrees (NobelActive), a ‘conical’ interface provides lateral stability reducing the occurrence of screw loos- ening in comparison to butt joint connections (tri-lobe and external hex implants). The original 45-degree bevel, present in Implant Direct’s
Legacy system, has the added advantages of increased strength and improved tactile sense for seating an abutment without the need to take an X-ray as recommended by Nobel Biocare for NobelActive. Dating back to the early
ı980’s, Dr Niznick’s focus has been to provide high quality products at value-added prices with simplified surgical proce- dures and versatile prosthetic options. Following this strategy and
with a strong focus on use of the internet for education, sales and marketing, Implant Direct has been credited with bringing about a price-point shift in the implant industry in just four years. The industry changes and recent economic factors have prompted many dentists to have a reality check
Fig 2 Fig 1
Implant Direct’s expansive product offer- ing. Clockwise from top right: ScrewIn- direct, RePlant, ScrewPlant, InterActive, SwishPlus, GoDirect, (centre) Legacy3
Dr Niznick’s patent for the internal hex connection that became the foundation for modern implant design
Fig 3
GPS and Zirconia abutments, the latest in a line of simply smarter prosthetic solutions
36 Scottish Dental magazine
on the best options for their practices and patients. Implant Direct today offers
the broadest line of implants and abutments in the industry, many incorporating Dr Niznick’s patented innovations including double-lead body threads for faster insertion with coronal quadruple-lead micro- threads for reduced stress and increased stability (Niznick - US Patent #7,677,89ı). The company philosophy
has been to combine clini- cally proven implant design concepts with All-in-ı Pack- aging for maximum value and convenience. While the items included vary by product, All-in-ı Packaging reduces or even eliminates the need to purchase additional items at the restorative phase of treat- ment (Niznick – US Patents #7,396,23ı and #7,785,ı07). The application-specific Spectra-System includes ScrewPlant bone-level and ScrewPlus tissue-level implants with the same internal hex – external bevel connection as well as several unique one-
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