Accuracy of Interchangeable Implant Impression Systems: An In Vitro Pilot Study

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of impressions on changing the implant component (coping and abutment replica) between Branemark and BIOMET 3i and between Straumann and Allfit. Materials and Methods: Two master casts were constructed, one containing pair of Branemark self-tap Mk II fixtures (Nobel Biocare) labeled Master cast I and the other containing pair of Straumann Standard plus implant, SLA fixtures (Straumann) labeled Master cast II. Ten impressions of each master cast were made by open tray technique using polyether impression material. Five out of 10 impressions made from master cast I contained Branemark pair of coping and replica and the other 5 contained 3i (Implant Innovations). Five out of 10 impressions made from master cast II contained Straumann pair of copings and replica and the remaining 5 contained Allfit implants (Ihde Dental). Duplicated casts were prepared, and distances between copings were measured using traveling microscope and compared the distance in master casts. Result: No significant difference was observed in mean value between 2 master casts and their duplicates. Conclusion: The interchangeability of coping and abutment replica between Branemark and BIOMET 3i and between Straumann and Allfit was found to be possible without compromising the quality of impressions.