Titanium in dental technology: milled abutments, frameworks and implant bars
Custom abutments, crown and bridge frameworks, implant bars and implant bridges in titanium, 5-axis milled on a dedicated production line in Cologne. Light, corrosion-resistant, biocompatible and the alternative when cobalt-chrome is not tolerated.
In brief: titanium has proven itself in dental technology over many years. It is light, corrosion-resistant, a poor conductor of heat, radiopaque and taste-neutral. CADmill mills titanium on 5-axis machines from imes-icore and DMG MORI, separately from CoCr and zirconia. The titanium alloy comes from a certified manufacturer with instructions for use and declaration of conformity.
What CADmill mills from titanium
- Custom abutments, one-piece in titanium or as a hybrid abutment on a Ti base, for the systems in our implant catalogue
- Crown and bridge frameworks for veneering, from the single crown to the multi-unit bridge
- Implant bars for removable dentures, matched to the respective implant system
- Screw-retained implant bridges at multi-unit or implant level
- Cast partial frameworks in titanium for patients who should not wear cobalt-chrome
- Primary parts for telescopic work, more on the page Telescopic work
Why titanium: biocompatibility and material properties
Titanium is the main component of many implants and prosthetic alloys because the material is well accepted by the tissue. In air the surface forms a stable oxide layer that protects the metal from corrosion in the mouth. We recommend titanium as an alternative for patients with a cobalt-chrome allergy, but its physiological tolerance benefits all other wearers too.
- Light and stable: considerably lower weight than cobalt-chrome at the same framework thickness, comfortable for large bars and implant bridges
- Corrosion-resistant thanks to the passivating oxide layer
- Low thermal conductivity: less temperature stimulus than with other metal frameworks
- Radiopaque: framework and abutment are clearly distinguishable on the radiograph
- Taste-neutral
Milled titanium frameworks and titanium abutments from our production match the comparable CoCr work in fit and surface quality. We are happy to discuss in advance which material makes sense for a given case.
5-axis milled on a dedicated production line
At CADmill titanium is processed exclusively subtractively: from the blank, wet under coolant, on 5-axis machines from imes-icore and DMG MORI. The five axes allow undercuts, divergent implant axes and screw channels at any angulation without re-clamping. Titanium, cobalt-chrome and zirconia run on separate lines so that no chips or coolant residues are carried over between materials.
For abutments and screw-retained work the implant interface is milled according to the geometry data of the respective system. Which manufacturers and systems we offer is listed in the implant catalogue with 18 manufacturers and 31 systems. Manufacturing complies with the MDR and CE marking; the instructions for use and declaration of conformity of the titanium alloy are available on request.
What we need from you
Data or model
STL file of the design, export from exocad or 3Shape, or scan data with scan bodies. If you send a model, we scan and design in Cologne.
Specify the implant system
Manufacturer, system and platform diameter, for multi-unit work also the abutment height. The order form asks for all the details.
Check and query
We check wall thicknesses, screw channels and path of insertion. If anything is unclear, we call before milling.
Production and dispatch
Implant bars and implant bridges leave us on day 3 when data is received by 2 pm, with UPS delivery usually on the following day. All times are on the page Production times.
Titanium or cobalt-chrome?
| Criterion | Titanium | Cobalt-chrome (non-precious) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | light | heavier |
| Tolerance | alternative for CoCr intolerance | proven, biocompatible |
| Production at CADmill | 5-axis milled | milled or laser-melted (SLM) |
| Typical indications | abutments, implant bars, implant bridges, frameworks | frameworks, cast partial frameworks, secondary structures, implant bars |
| Thermal conductivity | low | higher |
Prices for all titanium work are listed in the current price list. Information on cobalt-chrome is on the page Cobalt-chrome (non-precious).
Frequently asked questions about titanium
Which titanium alloy does CADmill use?
A titanium alloy for dental applications from a certified manufacturer. We provide the instructions for use and declaration of conformity with the exact material details on request.
Can I veneer a titanium framework with ceramic?
Yes, with a veneering ceramic approved for titanium. The details on the oxide layer and firing schedule are given in the ceramic manufacturer's instructions for use.
Does CADmill also produce titanium by laser melting?
We mill titanium work on 5-axis machines. We use laser melting for cobalt-chrome; more on the page Selective laser melting.
Which implant systems are custom titanium abutments available for?
For the systems in our implant catalogue with 18 manufacturers and 31 systems. If your system is not listed, just ask and we will check the interface.
How long does a titanium bar take?
Implant bars and implant bridges leave us on day 3 when data is received by 2 pm, on day 4 when a model is sent with design. UPS delivery is usually on the following day.