Dental implantation is considered a popular and effective method of tooth restoration worldwide. Among them, the implant placed in the alveolar bone plays the role of a natural tooth root. The bone fuses with the implant, providing a stable foundation for the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. Therefore, the quality of the implant is of great importance. As of 2023, there are more than 150 different implant brands globally. Some imitation products are not reliable in quality. For example, aspects such as the titanium composition, mechanical manufacturing strength, surface treatment, implant design, and aseptic treatment lack scientific data support and evidence-based trials or tests. There is little or no literature regarding their success and failure rates, and the incidence of complications such as infections, fractures, and peri-implant bone loss is usually relatively high.
Statistics such as an immediate success rate of 98%, a 5-year survival rate of 95%, and a 10-year survival rate of 90% are the results of extensive research conducted by high-quality implant brands. However, it is impossible for certain “knockoff” implants to achieve such results or they simply have no long-term research at all. Using such implants undoubtedly lays the groundwork for the failure of dental implantation.
How to choose the best implant (implant system)?
At present, it is difficult to say which implant system is the best. According to the rule of thumb, you should check how long the product has been on the market and the scientific research conducted on its products. Reputable companies have extensive literature support and can provide substantial guarantees. In contrast, implants produced by small companies usually have unproven quality over a long period and have not undergone extensive testing and research. Based on these criteria and their global market shares, we can conclude that the 10 most prestigious companies in the world currently are as follows:
- Straumann
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Founding Year: 1954
Straumann introduced the world’s first titanium one – stage implant in 1974. Ever since then, Straumann’s products have been made of high – quality materials, providing reliability and safety for surgeons and patients. Straumann is renowned for its comprehensive clinical product testing and extensive and continuous implant research. The company collaborates with many well – known research institutions, universities, and clinics to conduct trials, consistently providing cutting – edge implantology solutions. The implants of this brand are known for their excellent quality and durability, which contribute to the improvement of the clinical success rate. It is worth noting that Straumann’s Roxolid material, an advanced alloy made of titanium and zirconium, is famous for its outstanding strength. In addition, their SLActive surface technology enhances the osseointegration process, ensuring faster and more effective integration with bones.
For Straumann SLA – surface implants, the 10 – year follow – up implant survival rate is 99.7%.
2.Nobel Biocare
Country of Origin: Sweden
Founding Year: 1981
This company specializes in manufacturing implant systems. These systems are made of unique cold-worked pure titanium, featuring unparalleled strength, durability, stability, and osseointegration ability. Its innovative TiUnite surface technology can enhance osseointegration, provide a stable foundation for the restoration, and accelerate the healing process to achieve long-term success. The abutment design of Nobel Biocare® is a conical connection, and all implant designs focus on osseointegration. With the advancement of the product line, including the launch of its NobelActive™ product line and the Nobel Biocare N1™ implant preparation system that can simplify implant surgery, it has become one of the factors contributing to the growth of Nobel Biocare® in the past few years.
For Nobel TiUnite surface implants, the implant survival rate after an 11-year follow-up is 97.10%.
3.Dentsply Sirona
Country of Origin: The United States
Year of Developing the Implant System: Early 1980s
Dentsply Corporation was founded in 1899. In 2011, Dentsply Sirona acquired Astra Tech Dental, which developed a series of implant systems in the early 1980s and started mass production in 1985. Its affiliated brands offer a wide range of dental implant product portfolios, such as the Astra Tech Implant System® (Astra) and Ankylos®. The company’s implants are known for their biocompatibility, stability, and ease of use. Dentsply Sirona utilizes state-of-the-art digital dental solutions to streamline the dental implantation workflow and improve treatment outcomes. By integrating advanced imaging, CAD/CAM technology, and guided surgery, Dentsply Sirona is constantly pushing the boundaries of dental implantation.
For the Astra (Astra) TiOblast surface implants, the implant survival rate after a 12-15-year follow-up is 95.5%.
For the Ankylos® (Ankylos) RBM surface implants, the implant survival rate after a 3-year follow-up is 98.7%.
4.Osstem® (Osstem) / Hiossen® (Hiossen)
Country of Origin: South Korea, with Hiossen being a North American subsidiary
Founding Year: Osstem was founded in 1997, and Hiossen was established in the United States in 2006
Osstem is one of the fastest-growing dental implant companies in the world, renowned for its high-quality products and competitive prices. It has become one of the top ten dental implant companies globally, which is attributed to its commitment to the development of innovative, effective, safe, and extremely high-quality implants. In order to achieve its goals, it conducts research, clinical studies, rigorous tests, and comprehensive quality control. In addition to continuously listening to and taking the opinions and suggestions of dentists around the world very seriously, Osstem’s focus on education and training is also a key factor in their rapid growth and success.
5.ZimVie Inc. (formerly Zimmer Biomet)
Country of Origin: The United States
Founding Year: The company was founded in 1927, and its dental brand was established in 1977
Their research and production focus is broader than that of their dental competitors, with an emphasis on regenerative materials such as membranes and collagen wound care, as well as bone graft substitutes. It has also expanded into the sports injury industry. The internal hex connection is a hallmark of the Zimmer Biomet® dental implant design. The company also takes pride in its easy-to-use implant systems and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The company’s dental product portfolio includes a variety of implant systems, abutments, and regenerative products. Zimmer Biomet’s dedication to innovation is reflected in its use of advanced materials, such as the titanium-zirconium (TiZr) alloy, which offers excellent strength and aesthetics. In addition, the company’s emphasis on evidence-based dentistry and clinical research ensures reliable and long-lasting results.
For Zimmer RBM surface implants, the implant survival rate after a 10-year follow-up is 99%.
6.BioHorizons
Country of Origin: The United States
Founding Year: 1994
It is composed of dental professionals from the University of Alabama, one of the top dental schools in the United States. As a university-based company, scientific research is the inherent driving force of the company. BioHorizons is renowned for its proprietary Laser-Lok technology, an advanced surface treatment technology that enhances osseointegration and soft tissue attachment. The signature design of the BioHorizons® implant system is the tapered internal hexagon, and all designs focus on durability, strength, and functionality. The mating surfaces of their “implant-abutment-abutment screw” form a biological seal against the oral microbial environment. BioHorizons implants have been proven to have an extremely high survival rate, with an average of 99.2%, and minimal bone loss.
For BioHorizons LaserLok surface implants, the implant survival rate after a 2-year follow-up is 97.5%.
7.Implant Direct
Country of Origin: The United States
Founding Year: 2006
Implant Direct was founded by Dr. Gerald A. Niznick, a pioneer in implantology. It was one of the first to offer its products via the Internet and is known for its affordable prices and high quality. They offer a range of implant designs, including the Legacy3 implant, which is designed to provide excellent primary stability and bone retention.
8.Megagen
Country of Origin: South Korea
Founding Year: 2006
As a company founded and developed by dental professionals, the philosophy of MegaGen® is based on a holistic approach to dental implantation. Their two implant systems, AnyRidge™ and AnyOne™, are equipped with an internal hex connection, making them versatile systems compatible with a range of restoration options.
9.MIS
Country of Origin: Israel
Founding Year: 1990s
MIS Implants Technologies is renowned for its minimally invasive solutions and offers a variety of dental implants specifically designed for different clinical situations. Their products are well-known for their simplicity, ease of use, and high success rate. MIS Implants also provides a range of restoration components, such as abutments and impression products, which are designed to offer a precise fit and optimal aesthetic results. One of the advantages of MIS Implants is its innovative implant surface treatments, such as the S-L-A surface and the BLAST surface.
10.Bicon
Country of Origin: The United States
Founding Year: 1968
Bicon Dental Implants is renowned for its unique implant design and innovative clinical techniques. The company’s dental implants feature a locking tapered connection, eliminating the need for screws or adhesives, which simplifies the restoration process. Bicon’s short implants and angled abutments provide solutions for challenging clinical scenarios, offering versatility and predictability. The company focuses on research and clinical studies to ensure evidence-based treatment plans and long-term success.
