Comparative Surface Analysis and Clinical Performance Studies of Brånemark Implants and Related Clones

Several implant systems have been introduced with material properties and design that emulate the original Brånemark system. A comparison of surface microstructure and the element composition of screw-type titanium dental implants from four different manufacturers [Nobelpharma (B), Swede-Vent (C), 3i (I), and Osseodent (O)] showed no substantial qualitative differences as regards chemical composition. At the ultrastructural level, the surface topographies of the B, O, and I implants were essentially similar, whereas the C implant differed from the others in having a more irregular surface. In a clinical pilot study, a direct comparison of the success rate and marginal bone level of three of these implant systems (B, I, and O, using the Brånemark system as a reference) was performed and showed no significant differences between the systems 1 to 2 years after implant loading. Keywords: clinical study, dental implants, EDAX, SEM, surface analysis, titanium