📘 Choosing the Right Abutment Type (Custom vs. Stock)
Overview
Selecting the correct abutment type is essential for long‑term implant success, proper emergence profile, and predictable restorative outcomes. This guide explains the differences between custom abutments and stock abutments, when to choose each, and what information CAE Dental needs to design them accurately.
🧩 What Is an Abutment?
An abutment is the connector between the implant fixture and the final crown or prosthesis. Choosing the right type affects:
- Tissue support
- Emergence profile
- Crown retention
- Aesthetics
- Long‑term stability
🔧 Custom Abutments
What They Are
Custom abutments are digitally designed to match the patient’s unique tissue contours, implant position, and restorative needs.
Benefits
- 🦷 Ideal emergence profile for natural soft‑tissue shaping
- 🎯 Precise margin placement for easier seating and cement cleanup
- 👁 Improved aesthetics, especially in anterior cases
- 📐 Corrects angulation issues when implants are not perfectly aligned
- 🛡 Better long‑term stability for complex cases
Best For
- All restorations
- Deep implants or poor angulation
- Tissue‑sensitive cases
- Full‑arch or multi‑unit restorations
- Cases requiring optimal esthetics
What We Need From You
- Upper and lower scans
- Bite scan
- Scan body scan
- Implant system and platform
- Shade information (if crown included)
🔩 Stock Abutments
What They Are
Stock abutments are pre‑manufactured components provided by the implant company. They come in standard shapes and heights.
Benefits
- 💲 Lower cost
- ⚡ Faster turnaround
- 🔁 Predictable fit with compatible implant systems
Limitations
- Limited emergence profile control
- Margin placement may be suboptimal
- Not ideal for deep implants or angulation issues
- Aesthetics may be compromised in anterior cases
🆚 Custom vs. Stock: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Custom Abutment | Stock Abutment |
|---|---|---|
| Emergence Profile | ⭐ Excellent | ⚪ Limited |
| Aesthetics | ⭐ High | ⚪ Moderate |
| Angulation Correction | ⭐ Yes | ⚪ Minimal |
| Cost | 💲 Higher | 💲 Lower |
| Best For | Anterior, Posterior complex cases | Simple cases |
🚀 Tips for Best Results
- Always include a scan body scan
- Provide implant system and platform size
- Add tissue photos for anterior cases
- Note any angulation concerns in case notes