Implant libraries – Basic Parameters and Restrictions

Introduction

An implant library comprises a set of implant systems, each containing CAD models used to create abutment kits. Each abutment kit includes essential design parameters employed by 3Shape software devices for implant planning, implant orientation identification, and abutment design.

In this article, we aim to emphasize the primary parameters that influence implant validation in Dental System and outline the key requirements and general production restrictions for abutment design in Dental System. 


Implant Library Validation – Importance of Regulatory and Production Requirements

All validation parameters have specific value ranges in the Dental System Control Panel. Some values are locked by respective implant providers. Attempting to go beyond the specified range or violating the preset range in any way can lead to serious patient injury or restoration instability, possibly resulting in breakage.

Considering the above, Dental System operates within the safe range of abutment height, size, and angle, from minimum to maximum values. This also accounts for individual validation restrictions set by each implant provider.

It is crucial to remember that technician’s input to the implant library is critical information, which ensures the treatment planning is safe and the final device is effective. Incorrect information. as well as attempts to go beyond the recommended range can in worst case lead to injuries of the side patient. Usually, it will simply not be possible to design a restoration that violates recommended values.

3Shape strongly recommends not to use unintended workflows and parameters, that go beyond the recommended value range. CAM output must comply with the design parameters provided in the abutment kit and the patient-specific abutment directions for use provided by the abutment manufacturer and implant library provider.


Validation Parameters:

Here's an overview of the most important implant library validation parameters and limitations relevant to every implant system. Select the required implant system and abutment kit, then press "Edit" – the kit configuration tool will open. At the end of the configuration tool, design limitations for the abutments designed using the abutment kit in question can be defined.







Figure 6-8: Design matrix measurements for Customized Abutments and Screw Retained Crowns




Table 1: Design parameters annotated in Figure 6-8


Limit maximum top cap angle – The top cap is checked to comply with the specified maximum angle value. This check is always performed and cannot be disabled (see figure 6-8, parameter F)

Perform validation – If the option is selected, the user won ́t be able to design abutments which violate the following design matrix specifications:

Gingival margin diameter – The diameter of the gingival part of the model (see figure 6-8, parameter C) cannot be out of the specified range.

Gingival margin height – The height of the model part between the base and the bottom of the margin line (see figure 6-8, parameters D) cannot be less than the specified minimum value. The height of the model part between the base and the top of the margin line (see figure 6-8, parameters H) cannot be more than the specified maximum value.

Total height – The total height of the abutment, from the base to the top (see figure 6-8, parameter E) cannot be out of the specified range.

Top cap height – The height of the abutment part between the bottom of the margin line and the top of the model (see figure 6-8, parameter G) cannot be out of the specified range.

Perform blank validation – If the option is selected, the user won ́t be capable of violating the design constraints given by the blank file.

Block user from continuing on inner limit violation – If the option is selected, the user won ́t be capable of violating the design constraints given by the inner limit file.

Allow angled screw hole – If the option is selected, the user is allowed to angulate the screw hole within the limitations set by the implant kit provider.

Maximum screw hole angle – The screw hole is checked to comply with the specified maximum angle value.

Angled screw hole starting point – Defines from where the screw hole angulation will be applied in the abutment design.

Number of possible base rotation angles – Allows the user to rotate the abutment connector base within the limitations set by the implant kit provider.

Individual thickness around hole – If the option is selected, the user won’t be able to design abutments with the individual thickness around screw hole less than the value entered.

Common restrictions during design.

Abutment limitations violated

Different variations of this informational message may occur on the Abutments step – see below:

1. Inner blank limit check failed
    Outer limit/blank check failed


2. Margin diameter is outside range

3. Self-intersections detected

4. Top cap height is less than
5. Total height is outside range


Parts of the model that are violated will be highlighted with red color. To proceed to the next design step, it is necessary to modify the abutment geometry within the allowed validation range. Usually, the violated validation range of the abutment is marked as a red area.


Abutment top cap angle violated. Angle between implant direction and abutment top cap direction is more than the maximum limitation .

This message may occur on the Assembly step. Usually, the main reason for it is that the design exceeds the Limit maximum top cap angle value of the selected implant kit. This check is always performed during the design and cannot be disabled. The limitations for the currently used kit can be checked in Dental System Control Panel > Abutments > Implant Systems, as shown in the picture below:

It is required to modify the design so that the angle doesn't exceed the limits of the chosen implant kit. If there is no possibility to modify the design, it means that the option was locked by the library provider – and it is required to stay within recommended parameters.

One more reason for top cap angle being violated could be a smile library designed in the wrong way. If the top of the crown is shifted, the top cap angle initial position will be shifted as well. This leads to a smaller angulation gap. This failure in the smile library can be checked on Smile Composer step using Individual transformation tool:

If handlers of the tool are not aligned with the crown, it is not recommended to use such a library.

Validation error. Some design(s) did not pass validation.


This message occurs on the Finalize step. It is required to double-check the validation parameters of the selected implant kit and stay within the specified range. It is also possible to modify them, but these parameters are usually preset and locked by the implant provider.