Custom vs Stock Abutments: What’s the difference?

An abutment is surgically inserted in the bone beneath the gum line to the dental prosthetic that is above as dental implants will not be able to function without an abutment. Here is the difference between custom vs stock abutment. Custom abutments are custom-made for the patients according to their specific requirements. Custom abutments can be milled accurately to fit the crest of the patient’s tissue and will be fabricated from zirconia to match their existing natural teeth. These abutments are preferred in the aesthetic zone between custom vs stock abutment as they are able to match a patient’s smile as well as gums recede. To create an implant custom abutment impression is taken from the patient’s mouth. The taken impression will then be sent to the dental laboratory to create an abutment that will match the contours, shapes and emergence profile of the patient’s mouth.

Stock abutments are premade in a variety of different sizes which means they can be used on various types of implants such as bone level and tissue level implants. Stock abutments can either be straight or angled and are usually retained by cement. Although stock abutments are versatile they however are not preferred for the use in aesthetic zones. The tissues inside the mouth may not form into the shape of the abutment which makes it difficult to match the emergence contours and the tissue support of the other teeth. However, an abutment supported crown can be placed which will mimic the appearance of your existing natural teeth.

Advantages of custom vs stock abutment.

Why custom vs stock abutment? Stock abutments are cost-effective as it reduces the time of installation whereas custom abutments can cost more compared to stock abutments but will provide better tissue management and aesthetics. While stock implant abutments can be made as cementable, screw-retained, or screw-mentable crown custom implant abutments are designed and fabricated depending on the patient’s dental needs. Here are some of the advantages of custom abutments and stock abutments to help you understand about them:

Advantages of custom abutments

• Custom abutments are available in a variety of strong custom materials which guarantees the durability, longevity as well as quality.
• It is easier for a dentist to make any angulation corrections on custom implant abutments.
• Custom abutments fit perfectly on the implant and support the gum tissue just like a natural tooth.
• These abutments are milled precisely according to the patient’s specification from titanium, zirconia or gold colored noble metals.
• Custom implant abutments have smoother and quicker adjustments on the chair side.
• Custom implant abutments can be used with both bone-level or tissue level implants.
• These abutments provide a more natural look.

Advantages of stock abutments

• Stock abutments are an economical method for the restoration of dental implants.
• Stock implant abutments can be used on various types of implant restorations such as tissue level and bone level implants.
• It is easier for dentists to create an impression of stock implant abutments.