Developed in Germany in 1886, the concept of implant supported removable prosthesis was introduced on the market at the beginning of the 20th Century. Using manual drilling, this technique was originally named ‘Konuskrone’, the German word for ‘conical shape design’. To this day, this method is still very efficient, on natural teeth as much as on implants. Since 2001, the SynCone System, based on the German concept, combines industrial tooling precision to the telescopic attachment concept. However, this system was only available on ANKYLOS implants and had certain limitations due to its non-personalised fabrication.
After many years of research, Dentsply Implants combined the SynCone and Atlantis™ processes creating the Cad/Cam Conus telescopic abutment System, which has been on the market since the end of 2014. Computer designed diagnostic prosthesis adaptable to all major brand name implants. For each patient, cones are made of titanium in the same insertion axle. Each cone measures 5mm high and has a diameter of 3mm. The cone’s vertical surface has a 5-degree angle. This system is not very invasive because the prosthesis is supported by implants instead of human tissue, therefore a lot healthier for the tissues. Compared to a more conventional ball type attachment system or a Locater, this system provides better retention as well as increased prosthesis’s stability and comfort for the patient and is also easier to care for.
To obtain optimal Implantology results, the key to success is planning, no matter which system is used. Good communication is essential between everyone involved: surgeon, dentist and laboratory personnel. To begin with, we favour a diagnostic wax-prosthesis trial-test to evaluate the patient’s expectations and propose solutions best adapted to their situation. With the help of the SIMPLANT planning software, we personally configure your CT scan and your STL diagnostic and preparatory records so the surgeon can plan the operations virtually. Software guided surgery guaranties ideal implant positioning for the end product.
All brand name implants are compatible with the Cad/Cam Conus System. Once implant osteo-integration is completed, a direct transfer impression is taken to design a work-model. This model, as well as the diagnostic prosthesis, are then digitized. With the ATLANTISVAD™ Software (Virtual Abutment System), the dental technician modifies the abutments depending on their emergence profile (height, mesial-distal and buccal-lingual insertion axle). Therefore, the cone’s shoulder is positioned precisely at gum level in a lightly buccal-oriented insertion axle while the final prosthesis dimensions remain intact. During the milling process, we use sophisticated engineering and high-tech state-of-the-art drilling. Finally, a patient adapted chrome reinforcement covered with a fine pink-opaque coat is made in our laboratory. Abutments are then screwed intra-orally and the reinforcement is cemented to the female telescopic attachments to ensure their passivity. Subsequently, a pick-up impression is taken to mold a duralay Resin Model in order to reassemble the teeth. The prosthesis is finally injected and completed for final in-mouth installation.
