Which Dental Implant Impression System is right for your practice, BellaTek Encode or the traditional impression system?

“Due to advancements in digital dentistry, laboratories are now able to control the design of their CAD/CAM Encode Abutments, experience faster turnaround times as well as enjoy a more simplified workflow to better support and serve their clinicians.”  – ZimVie

BellaTek Encode is the industry leader in dental implant systems in terms of workflow, technology, and how impressions are captured for restorative procedures.  Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two impression systems:

1. Technology and Workflow

• BellaTek Encode Impression System (Nobel Biocare):
  • This system uses Encode Healing Abutments, which eliminate the need for traditional impression copings.
  • The healing abutments are specially designed with codes or markers on their surfaces. These codes allow the dental lab to digitally identify the location, angulation, and depth of the implant without removing the abutment.
  • The process typically involves:
    1. Placement of the Encode healing abutment after implant surgery.
    2. An impression (physical or digital) is taken with the abutment in place.
    3. The lab scans the impression to decode the information and design the final abutment or restoration digitally.
    4. A custom abutment and crown are fabricated based on the scan.
  • This digital workflow reduces chair time and patient visits by skipping the traditional impression step. It’s a non-invasive approach, as the abutment does not need to be removed during the impression process.
• Traditional Impression System:
  • Offers a more traditional approach using impression copings. This system involves:
    1. Removal of the healing abutment.
    2. Placement of a transfer or pickup impression coping onto the implant.
    3. A traditional impression (usually using PVS material) is taken with the coping in place.
    4. The lab receives the physical impression and fabricates the restoration based on the impression.
  • This method is more hands-on and follows a conventional workflow. While it can be reliable and well-understood by many clinicians, it typically requires more chair time and an additional patient visit.

2. Precision and Accuracy

• BellaTek Encode:
  • Offers a highly accurate, digital-first process, reducing the chances of human error associated with traditional impressions.
  • The healing abutment is never removed during the impression, maintaining soft tissue stability and ensuring accurate gingival margins.
• Traditional Impression System:
  
  • While also precise, traditional impression systems are more prone to slight inaccuracies due to material handling, possible movement of the impression coping, or distortions in the impression material.

3. Convenience for Clinician and Patient

• BellaTek Encode:
  • More convenient for both the clinician and patient since it requires fewer steps and visits.
  • There is no need for impression copings or removing and replacing healing abutments, which can disrupt the soft tissue.
  • Can be more expensive, but it compensates with fewer visits and less chair time.
• Traditional Impression System:
  
  • A traditional system that may involve more chair time and additional appointments, but it might be more familiar to clinicians who prefer conventional methods.
  • More cost-effective in terms of initial materials, though it may require more follow-up appointments.

4. Cost

• BellaTek Encode:
  • Typically involves a higher upfront cost due to the digital workflow and custom-fabricated components, but the reduced chair time and fewer appointments may balance the cost over time.
• Traditional Impression System:
  • More affordable in terms of initial materials, but the need for multiple appointments and more hands-on work could increase the overall cost of treatment.

5. Digital vs. Traditional Workflow

• BellaTek Encode is part of the digital revolution in dentistry, aligning with modern CAD/CAM technologies and integrating with digital workflows for more efficiency.
• Traditional Impression System uses the traditional physical approach but can still be integrated into a digital workflow at certain points, such as when scanning a physical model.

Summary:

• BellaTek Encode offers a digital, non-invasive workflow with fewer steps, reduced chair time, and higher precision due to its Encode Healing Abutments.
• Traditional impression system follows a traditional impression process with more manual steps but may be more familiar to clinicians who are used to conventional implant impression techniques.

Each system has its benefits, and the choice largely depends on the clinician’s preference, patient needs, and the overall treatment plan.