Closed Tray Impression vs. Open Tray for Implant Transfer – Which Technique Produces the Best Results?

For cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental impression copings are used along with one of two techniques.

• Closed tray impression.
• Open tray dental impression.

The choice of open or closed tray technique is dependent on the needs of the patient and the evaluation of the surgeon. While closed tray impressions are more accurate in some cases, they might not always be practical.

We will discuss dental impression coping techniques along with some of the Dental Implant Technologies products used for the most reliable implant transfers.

Closed Tray Technique:

Closed tray impression is suitable for procedures where implant transfer will be performed for implants that are sufficiently parallel with little deviation. It may also be used in scenarios where screw-retained dental impression copings create insufficient space with limited inter-arch distance.

Both stock and custom trays can be used to create a closed tray impression.

Closed trays are most ideal for implant restoration of a single unit. The closed tray technique can also be used for multiple units when they are parallel. Using the closed tray technique when implants aren’t parallel could cause the impression to lock in the patient’s mouth, causing complications and additional cost for the practitioner.

For the majority of multiple implant procedures, clinicians will typically lean towards open tray impressions for dental implant transfer.

Open Tray Dental Impression Coping:

The closed tray impression technique may be avoided altogether when restoring multiple implants. Open tray is the alternative, allowing for the use of stock trays or custom trays that feature holes to align with the implant sites.

This procedure is more involved and requires skill and experience to be successfully completed. Despite the complexity, many practitioners prefer performing the open tray technique because it can save time and stress during a procedure. It allows for variations in implant alignment and will prevent locking of the impression in the patient’s mouth.

The dental impression coping can be splinted together using dental resin to improve accuracy.

What is the Best Method for Reliable Implant Transfer?

While both implant transfer methods have advantages and disadvantages, there’s no outright ‘correct’ technique to be used for dental impression coping. Clinicians will need to evaluate the needs of the patient and the state of the existing implants before deciding on the best way to proceed with implant transfer.

Factors that usually come into play include:

• Deviation and non-parallel implants typically call for the open tray dental impression coping technique. The alignment of the existing implants should always be considered first.
• Single unit implants are well-suited to the closed tray technique.
• If multiple units are parallel, the closed tray technique can be applied.

Implant transfer is performed by experienced dental professionals who have the benefit of numerous completed procedures to help in the decision-making process. Consider these points a refresher as you choose the best dental transfer coping supplies from Dental Implant Technologies.

Some professionals prefer, in the vast majority of their cases, to use open tray over the closed tray impression technique. Ultimately, becoming proficient in both techniques will result in better procedures and outcomes for your practice.

Dental Transfer Coping Products for Successful Implant Transfer:

If you’re looking for the most reliable implant transfer supplies, you will find them at Dental Implant Technologies. We offer a broad range of dental transfer coping devices for your upcoming procedures.

We carry the highest quality brands in all common (and uncommon) sizes so that you can get the best results whether you are performing a closed tray impression or open tray technique procedure.

Closed tray dental transfer copings are available in several sizes and varieties. Our Vision Snap Cap Closed Tray Impression Copings are compatible with the Nobel Biocare™ Replace Select™ system. This system is popular with dental professionals and their patients due to the tapered implant style which allows for increased stability, even in situations where the bone has been compromised.

Vision closed tray dental transfer copings are offered with a snap cap and are made from surgical stainless steel. Take a look at the Snap Cap Closed Tray Impression Coping for 5.0mm implants (SKU: WV-AST).

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We also supply open tray dental transfer copings compatible with standard implant platforms. This Standard Platform Conical Connection Open Tray Impression Coping (SKU: SL-AAT-L) is developed to work with the Nobel® Active RP Platform. The Active RP platform is typically implanted when the clinician requires immediate stability and function.

These are examples of our quality dental implant supplies. Please see more of our closed and open tray dental transfer coping products by reviewing the following links:

• Dental Implant Technologies Closed Tray Technique Copings.
• Dental Implant Technologies Open Tray Implant Transfer Copings.

A Leading Supplier of Implant Transfer Products:

Dental Implant Technologies is a leading supplier of implant transfer products for dental professionals in the United States. We are a distributor of Hi-Tech Implants LTD.

We offer product diversity to ensure that you have better choices when you are performing closed tray or open tray impression procedures, implantation, extraction, bone grafting, and an extensive range of regenerative and cosmetic procedures.

Our products are selected for their quality and reliability, ensuring that you get the expected performance with proprietary and standard implant systems.