Features Advantage Disadvantages Indications Contraindications Prices Stages of treatment How to choose a clinic?
This is a story about collaboration. You know, it happens that two companies do good work. Good, but not outstanding. There the products of Dentsply and Sirona would have remained known in a narrow segment of the dental materials market if not for the merger. When two strong middle peasants joined forces, a real breakthrough resulted. Investment in research and technological development has increased sharply. The result was new materials and innovative products. Astra Tech implants are one such achievement.
During their development, special attention was paid to the interaction between the artificial root and the patient’s body. Dentsply/Sirona have developed a unique dental restoration system that relies on the healing powers of the body itself.
Scientific research confirms that Swedish Astra Tech implants provide reliable results in the long term.
History of Astra Tech Implants
Today, Astra Tech (Sweden) is no longer an independent company, but is part of the Dentsply holding, which acquired the Swedish company in 2011 for almost two billion dollars. Until this moment, Astra Tech Implants was represented in more than 120 countries and was one of the three leaders in the sale of implants on the world market. Despite this deal, the company's implants continue to be produced under the Astra Tech brand. This is an established brand with high popularity and reputation among clinicians and their patients. However, most people want to know not about news from the business world, but about the capabilities and features of this system, because, ultimately, the health and beauty of our smile largely depends on the quality of the implant.
Astra Tech implant line
Swedish dental implants: features
All products of Swedish manufacturers are based on scientific developments. The corporations that produce them are not only plants and factories, but scientific laboratories and educational sites. Companies pay for long-term and short-term studies on engraftment, and scientific data are published in specialized journals.
Swedish companies hold hundreds of patents related to the production of implants, constantly improving both the individual parts and the design of the posts.
Astra Tech implants. Innovative solutions
Being a top manufacturer, Astra Tech Implants has long patented its own technologies and design solutions. The presence of such developments distinguishes any large company operating in the field of medicine, which is why Astra Tech in Sweden invests large resources in new research. Below we will talk about four of the most famous proprietary developments that make Astra Tech dental implants different from other systems.
OsseoSpeed
This is a patented coating that is applied to the surface of each Astra Tech implant. OsseoSpeed has a complex structure; this coating contains fluorine-containing compounds. Thanks to its properties, the coating softens the consequences of intervention in the bone tissue and stimulates its growth around the installed implant.
MicroThread
The MicroThread microthread on the neck of Astra Tech implants serves to evenly distribute the load on the bone tissue, is designed to reduce the impact and maximally prevent its damage during implant installation.
Conical Seal Design
A conical connection that is an element of the implant design. It ensures more precise interaction between the components of the Astra Tech system and transfers pressure from the edge of the bone tissue to the stronger deeper layers. This reduces the maximum load on the bone and eliminates micro-movements of the artificial root. In simple terms, the implant will “sit” tightly and securely, and the healing process will be faster and safer.
Conical Connective Contour
When the implant and abutment come into contact (an adapter between the crown and the implant itself), a special contour is formed that ensures reliable fastening of the components and allows preserving a larger volume of soft tissue. Conical Connective Contour enhances the aesthetic aspect - your artificial tooth will look as natural as possible.
Many have probably already asked whether such “delights” are necessary at all and whether they can somehow affect quality indicators, given the fact that titanium itself has the ability to fuse with bone. The answer is quite simple. Like the entire body, the human dental system has a complex structure, as well as the mechanism of interaction of teeth and their roots with bone tissue. A good implant should take on the function of a lost tooth, and this can be fully achieved only thanks to similar technologies that eliminate the difference between an artificial tooth and a real one. In addition, research data show that with long-term results (more than five years from the date of installation of the Astra Tech implant), patients do not experience a significant decrease in bone tissue. By the way, this indicator is considered the main one when we talk about quality and durability.
Stages of work
1. Diagnostics
Preliminary examination, computed tomography, identification of concomitant diseases - all this is necessary to move to the next stage.
2. Preparation
Sanitation of the oral cavity, treatment or removal of teeth. Development of an implantation plan. Careful preparation leads to better results.
3. Implantation
It all depends on the protocol. With one-stage implantation, a pin is inserted and an abutment is immediately inserted. A temporary crown is placed on it. With a two-stage protocol, only the implant is placed, the incision is sutured and the artificial root is waited until it takes root. After this has happened, they begin to apply prosthetics.
4. Osseointegration
The engraftment stage takes up to 3 months on the lower jaw and up to 6 months on the upper jaw.
New technologies make it possible to shorten this period even further. After healing in a two-stage procedure, an abutment is placed, and an artificial tooth is placed on it.
5. Control inspection
It is needed for the doctor to make sure that there is no inflammation in the adjacent tissues, the structure is stable and can function like a real tooth.
Implant system Astra Tech
The Astra Tech product line is very wide. These are both the Astra Tech implants themselves and the abutments, as well as accompanying instruments. It is often impossible for a patient to receive an implant of standard sizes and characteristics. This may be due to a small volume of bone tissue, lack of necessary space, non-standard anatomy of the teeth and jaw, and so on. The goal of any good manufacturer is to develop a line of implants to solve any clinical case, taking into account a number of nuances.
The most popular Astra Tech implant system is marked with the TX index. For example, the thinnest implants are TX 3S, whose diameter is 3 millimeters. They are often used to restore frontal teeth, as well as in unusual situations, including atrophy of the muscles and joints of the jaw. Further, as the size and diameter of the implants increases, the number in the model name also increases. The largest is the Astra Tech TX Profile 5 implant for the masticatory region. Actually, each Astra Tech implant model is designed to restore a specific group of teeth: incisors, canines, molars or premolars. Also in the arsenal there are four types of abutments and gum formers for different clinical cases.
Implantation algorithm
Dental prosthetics using the implantation method consists of several successive stages. The first of them is a consultation with an implant surgeon to identify indications and contraindications. Next, a more detailed clarification of the details of a specific clinical case is carried out using hardware diagnostics on a computed tomograph and, if necessary, on an X-ray machine, obtaining the result in a 3D image. The next stage is oral hygiene: treatment of dental diseases, professional comprehensive teeth cleaning.
Implantation itself is performed only after all the listed preparation procedures. The course of the surgical operation is determined by the chosen protocol: either a two-stage method, or a one-stage method with the removal of a non-viable tooth, in the place of which an implant will be installed. Next, in accordance with a certain protocol, a crown is installed or the surgical incision of the gum is sutured for the period of osseointegration.
Important: dental restoration using the implantation method is a method by which one or more missing dental elements can be restored. It is possible to perform full edentulous prosthetics using “All on 4” or “All on 6” technologies. The essence of the methods is the implantation of 4 or 6 implants followed by the installation of a complete denture.
The dental network offers services for installing Astra Tech implants. Our implant surgeons have a high level of qualifications and regularly improve their skills in leading Russian and European clinics. The quality of implantation meets international standards. We have a system of family and cumulative discounts. If necessary, we provide reporting documents for filing tax deductions.
Branches of our orthodontic center are located in Moscow within walking distance from the metro:
- Art. Alekseevskaya (VDNKh district, etc. Mira), address: st. 3rd Mytishchiskaya house 3, building 2;
- Art. Shelepikha, address: Shelepikhinskaya embankment, address: building 34, building 1.
The absence of one or more teeth is not a reason for frustration; dental implantation is a modern and safe way to restore your smile to its former attractiveness. We are waiting for you!
Installation of the Astra Tech implant
In dentistry, the installation of the Astra Tech implant occurs according to standard medical protocols of one-stage or two-stage implantation techniques. The experts themselves note the convenience of the tools and the intuitive system for working with them, based on color coding of structural elements. According to the company, the emphasis is on developing products and solutions for the Astra Tech implant that will help ease the workload of clinicians while maintaining long-term functionality and aesthetics.
Advantages of Astra Tech implants
The main advantage that the Astra Tech system provides is a high survival rate. For the company, this figure is almost 98.5%. This is indeed a very high level, which can only be achieved through a streamlined production process and technological innovation. Summarizing the features that distinguish Astra Tech implantation, we can highlight several key points.
- Astra Tech dental implants are suitable for most types of clinical cases.
- Gentle and uniform effect on bone tissue.
- High aesthetic and functional indicators.
- Long-term positive results. For most patients, Astra Tech implants last at least 15-20 years. With proper care, implants will serve their owner for life.
It is difficult to identify any noticeable disadvantages of Astra Tech implants. However, this does not exclude the possibility that a doctor may give preference to another system, simply because it is more convenient for him to work with it.
Differences between Astra Tech, Nobel Biocare and Ankylos implants
All brands of implants Astra Tech, Nobel Biocare and Ankylos (Dentsply) are characterized by high quality. Therefore, rest assured that by choosing these designs, you are making the right choice. However, there are certainly certain differences between them, the main of which are presented in the table below.
| Astra Tech | Nobel | Ankylos | |
| Country of Origin | Sweden | USA | Germany |
| Price category | Premium | Premium | Business |
| Features of the technology |
|
|
|
| The cost of installing one implant without prosthetics | 45,000 – 50,000 rubles | 40,000 – 50,000 rubles | 35,000 – 40,000 rubles |
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Astra Tech implants:
- Reliability backed by 30 years of field use and scientific research
- Fast engraftment
- Easy installation (presence of color-coded implant driver)
- Application with one-stage and two-stage implantation technology, as well as with immediate loading
- Variability of implant-abutment connection sizes (super-small, small, large)
- Possibility (if necessary) of turning the abutment, which allows you to “adjust” it to certain conditions of the clinical case
- Lifetime Product Warranty
Minuses:
- High price
- In some clinical cases osteoplasty is necessary
- Very rare – allergy to titanium
How much do Astra Tech implants cost?
Taking into account the rating and advantages of implants, the price of Astra Tech implants remains one of the highest on the market - this is, perhaps, the main drawback of this manufacturer. On average, the cost of Astra Tech implantation in Moscow clinics is about 40,000 rubles. The final cost also depends on the level of the clinic and the qualifications of the doctor, so a price range of 5 – 8 thousand is allowed. Naturally, we are talking only about the cost of the titanium rod itself and the service for its installation. In any case, even with the most favorable discounts and promotions, the price of Astra Tech implants is unlikely to be below 25,000 rubles. If you are offered the Astra Tech system at a lower cost, there is reason to think about the integrity and reliability of such a clinic.
In the capital, the price for turnkey Astra Tech implants (implantation and prosthetics) can reach up to 70,000 - 80,000 rubles with a metal-ceramic crown and more than 90,000 rubles with a zirconium crown. If you have insufficient bone tissue, procedures to increase it will be added to the cost of treatment. By the way, the differences between Astra Tech and Nobel Biocare implants in terms of price are insignificant, so you can make a choice based on your own preferences and the advice of your doctor.
Our team of doctors
Maxillofacial surgeon, Implantologist
Bocharov Maxim Viktorovich
Experience: 11 years
Dental surgeon, Implantologist
Chernov Dmitry Anatolievich
Experience: 29 years
Orthopedist, Neuromuscular dentist
Stepanov Andrey Vasilievich
Experience: 22 years
Endodontist, Therapist
Skalet Yana Alexandrovna
Experience: 22 years
Orthopedic dentist
Tsoi Sergey Konstantinovich
Experience: 19 years
Dentist-orthodontist
Enikeeva Anna Stanislavovna
Experience: 3 years
Characteristics of OsseoSpeed™ systems
An important moment in the history of the brand’s development is the creation of the OsseoSpeed™ coating, which has been used in the manufacture of Astra titanium structures since 2004. To obtain this surface, a sandblasting method using titanium dioxide is used. Subsequently, the coating is exposed to acid and then placed in an environment containing fluorine ions. At the final stage, micro- and nanotexturing is carried out, which is considered a distinctive feature of the Astra Tech Implant System .
According to clinical studies, such a coating can activate the function of osteoblasts, which helps accelerate the rate of bone formation. However, this process is not applicable to the compact layer, but occurs in the spongy layer, which is due to insufficient vascularization of compact bone tissue and the inability of osteoblasts to migrate.
It also helps to obtain excellent initial stabilization of the structure. This is due to the fact that, under the influence of fluorine ions, the coating becomes negatively charged, as a result of which the process of deposition of calcium ions is accelerated and, subsequently, the covalent bond between calcium phosphate of the bone and titanium is strengthened.
It should be noted that fluorides have a positive effect on the density of hard tissue of the fixed structure, which is facilitated by the binding of calcium ions present in its composition. Thus, the implant healing process begins immediately after its installation and the necessary initial stabilization has been achieved.
Features of MicroThread™
The neck with mini thread is an innovative development by Astra Tech. Through the use of this innovation, optimal distribution of pressure on the cortical part of hard tissue is achieved, and it is also possible to minimize its values.
In addition, the use of the above thread allows us to minimize the risk of bone loss near the neck of the dental product. Normal is the resorption of hard tissue by 1 mm over a 12-month period after fixation of the implant. However, Astra implants have a lower value compared to the above values. Another factor that helps reduce the possibility of bone shrinkage is the "Conical Seal Design".
Conical Seal Design™ Connection Features
The design features of the Conical Seal Design™ system are characterized by the presence of a conical connection between the dental implant and the transition element in the deep layers of bone tissue. This ensures optimal distribution of pressure - on layers located at a significant depth from the surface, due to which it is possible to maintain the integrity of the surface layer near the neck of the structure and eliminate the possibility of resorption of hard tissue.
Another characteristic feature of this connection is the ability to create only a small gap between the adapter and the implant. It should be remembered that the main cause of peri-implantitis is the occurrence of an infectious process in the area of a given lumen, and it is in this indicator that dental systems of different brands may differ.
Unique Contour – Connective Contour™
When the adapter and implant come into contact, a contour is formed that promotes strong fixation of the component elements and allows the impressive size of the soft tissue to be preserved. Connective Contour is characterized by improved aesthetic characteristics, which gives the installed structure the most natural appearance.
