Dental Implants Review: BioHorizons

When it comes to dental implant solutions, BioHorizons has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. If you're considering dental implants, understanding what this company offers and their track record can help you make an informed decision about your oral health.

What is BioHorizons?

BioHorizons is a US-based company that has been at the forefront of dental implant technology since 1994. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has grown to become a global leader in the development and manufacturing of dental implant systems and oral tissue regeneration products. Their commitment to scientific research and innovation has made them a trusted name among dental professionals worldwide.

What Makes BioHorizons Implants Unique?

Several distinctive features set BioHorizons implants apart from other options in the market:

1. Laser-Lok® Technology - One of their most significant innovations is the proprietary Laser-Lok® microchannel surface treatment. This unique surface technology users lasers to create micro etches into the implant. This surface treatment facilitates a physical connection between the implant and bone, while also providing a biological seal around the implant. This helps maintain bone health and provides better long-term stability.

2. Material Quality - BioHorizons implants are manufactured using medical-grade titanium alloy, known for its exceptional biocompatibility and strength. The material undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest quality standards for medical devices.

3. Comprehensive System - The company offers a complete range of implant solutions, including tapered implants for immediate stability, single-stage implants for streamlined procedures, short implants for patients with limited bone volume, and custom prosthetic components.

Statistics on BioHorizons Implants

The success rates of BioHorizons implants are particularly impressive:

• Clinical studies show a 99.2% success rate for BioHorizons dental implants after five years

• The Laser-Lok technology has demonstrated up to 48% more bone attachment compared to traditional implant surfaces

• Research indicates a 70% reduction in crestal bone loss around implants with Laser-Lok technology

• Over 2 million implants have been placed worldwide

• The company's products are used in more than 90 countries

What Do The Dentists Think?

At Smile Clinic, Dr. Logan Locke has been using BioHorizons implants for single tooth and full-arch restorations for nearly half a decade. Dr. Locke is familiar with many implant systems and has a unique perspective about some of the benefits of BioHorizons.

"The thing I like most about BioHorizons is that they have different abutment widths. Every implant system will have different sizes of implants, but most only have a one-size-fits-all option for the abutment. This limits what I am able to do as a clinician.

"Our anterior (front) teeth are smaller and thinner than our posterior (back) teeth. When restoring teeth, I need smaller abutments for those anterior teeth but I have more space available to me with the posterior teeth. With multiple abutment sizes to choose from, I can put bigger and more robust abutments in the posterior where the majority of biting and chewing forces occur. This means the abutments are far less likely to fracture over time.

Implants with platform-match (left) and platform-switch (right)

"Another thing I like about the BioHorizons implant system is that uses a platform-switch. This basically means that the abutment is not as wide as the implant, as opposed to platform-match which maintains the same width through the implant and abutment connection. Numerous studies have shown that this has many benefits, including preventing bone loss, improving bone development, preserving tissue around the implant, and preventing bacterial infection.

"The biggest drawback with the BioHorizons implant system is the small prosthetic screws for the multi-unit abutments (MUAs). This is also a concern with other implant systems including Neodent. Whenever I do a bridge or full-arch case, we use MUA's to connect the prosthetic to the abutment. These small screws can be prone to breaking so I would like to see BioHorizons develop an MUA with a stronger screw connection.

"In the end, BioHorizons is one of the best implant systems available and a patient should feel completely comfortable with a dentist that uses their system. While their MUA connections do present some concerns for bridges and full-arch cases, this is true of almost all implant manufacturers and we expect to see advancements and innovations in this area in the near future."

Conclusion

BioHorizons continues to demonstrate why they're a leading choice in the dental implant industry. Their combination of innovative technology, proven success rates, and commitment to ongoing research makes them a reliable option for patients seeking dental implant solutions. Whether you're replacing a single tooth or requiring full mouth rehabilitation, BioHorizons offers a comprehensive range of implant solutions backed by scientific evidence and clinical success.

Remember, while the quality of the implant system is crucial, the skill and experience of your dental professional play an equally important role in the success of your dental implant procedure. Always choose a qualified implant dentist who has extensive experience to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental restoration.

Have you had experience with BioHorizons dental implants? We'd love to hear about your journey in the comments below.