Israeli implants Alpha BIO and reviews about them

It is widely known that the Israeli health care system is considered one of the best in the world, and in the field of implantology, the country also occupies one of the leading positions in the quality of manufactured products. In particular, several dozens of companies involved in the development of products for dental implantation are concentrated here.

Alpha BIO, whose products we will discuss in more detail later, was founded in 1988: in Israel itself it occupies more than half of the dental market, and in Russia this brand is also one of the most popular. Patients give preference to Alfa BIO implants, primarily due to the very affordable cost, which, according to advertising, is combined with a fairly high level of quality.

But let's try to figure out what is behind the low price of Israeli Alpha BIO implants, how well they generally take root, how often they are rejected and whether they have any exceptional features that distinguish them from implants from other manufacturers. And in general, let's try to find out whether it is worth giving preference to implants Alpha BIO when restoring teeth.

 

Do Alpha BIO implants have important advantages that distinguish them from other brands?

To begin, let's look at exactly what technological and constructive solutions are used in the production of dental implants Alfa BIO, since this is what largely determines the level of product quality.

 

Using pure titanium

Pure titanium has been proven to be biocompatible with the human body. And if, for example, a titanium dental implant is inserted into the jawbone, then the body does not really perceive this seemingly extraneous screw as an alien body and does not reject it (of course, if the doctor did everything right and the patient complied with the relevant recommendations about this we will talk a little lower).

It is useful to keep in mind that implants made from pure titanium take root better than when titanium alloys are used. Well, in this regard, with the Alpha BIO implants, everything is in order - they are made from pure titanium without undesirable impurities.

It is interesting

For a long time, the Ti-6Al − 4V alloy was used in the implantology market, in addition to titanium, vanadium and aluminum were also present. This markedly improved the strength of the material and some other technological parameters, but later it was proved that vanadium in such alloys has a toxic effect on living tissue cells, resulting in a risk implant rejection increases.

In fairness, it is worth noting that the Alpha BIO company is far from the only one who creates dental implants from pure titanium. Moreover, the vast majority of manufacturers today use pure metal, and not its alloys, so this decision by an Israeli company should not be considered something unique in the world of implantology.

 

NanoTec porous surface

The next thing that the Alpha BIO implant advertisement usually focuses on is their particular rough microporous surface.

Is this surface important in practice and does it significantly affect the implant engraftment?

On a note

The very first implants after manufacturing underwent careful polishing - it was believed that a smooth surface contributes to their easy installation and high-quality osseointegration (engraftment in the bone).

However, later, in the 90s of the last century, it was convincingly proved that the surface of the implant should ideally be rough and porous. Cells of growing tissue penetrate micropores - they literally grow into the implant.Thus, the implant is firmly fixed and becomes almost integral with the bone.

Today, most manufacturers of dental implants use their own method of treating a metal titanium surface to achieve its microporosity - most often sandblasting is used for this using abrasive particles of a given grain size, as well as subsequent acid etching to create even deeper pores. In general, the presence of pores on the implant significantly increases the contact area between the bone and the metal surface - as a result, it really improves the primary stability of the implant, and also increases the rate of fusion of the implant and bone cells.

For example, with Alpha BIO implants, the surface is called NanoTec. However, no matter how such a surface is called, and no matter how the manufacturers of dental implants praise their surface formation technology, for the end consumer it’s a trifle, but the important thing is, first of all, the fact that the titanium implant has a non-smooth, namely rough and porous surface.

 

Conical implant design Alpha BIO

Another technological solution that is used in Alpha BIO implants is their conical design. They are made in the form of a cone (some in the form of a cylinder), that is, they exactly repeat the anatomical shape of the root of a living tooth. This allows you to evenly distribute the masticatory load from the prosthesis to the bone, as well as to increase the bearing load on the implant as a whole.

However, this, again, is not a unique invention of an Israeli company (although a corresponding patent was obtained for a specific shape and thread of Alpha BIO implants) - most modern implants are cone-shaped and resemble the root of a living tooth. After all, it is the most functional and physiological - to repeat with prosthetics what was laid down by nature.

It is interesting

In 2006, Nobel Biocare (the founder of all dental implants) tried to launch its new product - an implant called Nobel Active, but in fact it turned out that the shape of this model (namely, a truncated cone with a flat base and large thread) was already patented Israeli company Alpha BIO. Therefore, it was decided to acquire this patent, as well as to repurchase a controlling stake in Alpha BIO.

 

Thread and assortment of implants in the catalog

In order for the implant to be conveniently installed in the jaw (without unnecessary efforts and injuring bone tissue), the product must have the appropriate thread. And for the implantologist, it is important that in the catalog of implants of a particular brand for almost every clinical situation there is an appropriate implant model with the optimal type of thread.

So, in simple terms, in the case of Alfa BIO implants, the situation in this regard is pretty good. In the case of using, for example, brands of the “economy” category, the doctor can not always be sure that he will find a suitable implant model in the catalog.

 

Hex implant and abutment connection

This connection is considered very reliable and at the same time simple in execution - a recess with six faces is provided inside the implant, and a hexagonal cone on the abutment, respectively. The abutment fits tightly inside the implant, without gaps and micro-gaps, and is firmly fixed.

The photo below shows this type of connection:

On a note

An abutment is, so to speak, the tip of the implant, which is the basis for prosthetics. It is located above the level of the gums and serves to attach the crown or any other prosthesis.

The internal hexagon is a connection that is easy to perform, so it is quite popular. An important advantage of this platform is that it is universal - and this is a huge plus for an orthopedist. That is, on the Alpha BIO implants, you can fix the abutments of other systems, for example, Israeli MIS, ADIN or Alpha Gates (by the way, Alfa Gates or Alfa Dent implants should not be confused with Alfa BIO - these are completely different brands).

 

Multifunctional individual packaging

Here, it would seem, such a trifle - packaging of the implant. But in practice, it contributes to the convenience of the doctor and reduces the risk of problems for the patient.

Indeed, in order to avoid complications after the operation to install dental implants, it is very important to observe sterility. In addition to the obvious points related to cleanliness in the cabinet, sterility of instruments, etc., the cleanliness of the implant itself also plays an important role, which largely depends on its packaging. The product travels thousands of kilometers before it gets directly into the hands of your doctor - and it is imperative that before implantation the implant is clean, free from external impurities and, simply, dust.

Alfa BIO is truly proud of the individual packaging: it is a double transparent capsule through which you can see the contents. It contains all the information about the implant - the serial number is transferred to the patient card, which is a guarantee of protection against fake. In addition, the titanium “screw” itself is very easily removed using installation tools - that is, it is transferred immediately to the operating room.

Doctor's review of Alfa BIO implant systems:

“There has been no change in the line of this Israeli company for a long time (either nothing enters the Russian market, or there is no need for improvement), but the packaging has undergone quite strong changes. She, of course, is not the most important thing in implantation, but by no means the last one. It really turned out to be easier to work with her - it takes a split second to open the box and install the implant, and the patient himself sees which model falls into his jaw - all without cheating. ”

From correspondence on the dental forum

 

Representation in Russia

From a practical point of view, a very important feature of Alfa BIO implants is their widespread use in dental clinics in Russia - it is difficult to imagine a clinic that does not work with them. Doctors are usually familiar with this implant system, which cannot be said about a number of premium brands, which are less trained than others because of their high cost.

In general, if you compare, Alpha BIO makes a significant emphasis on the Russian market and not only displays its products here, but also actively talks about it to doctors (through seminars) and patients (through advertising). Today in Russia seminars, lectures are held, as well as special courses are organized to teach working with the Alpha BIO dental implant system. Unlike many other companies, such training has a wide geography: seminars can be attended not only in the capital, but also in the regions - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok.

Implantologist review:

“I’ve been working on the alpha bio system (Israel) for about three years, while I’m still conducting German implants. Of course, the Germans are progressive in many aspects, but the price is much higher. I like working with Alpha, today I called the dealers, tomorrow we’ve already brought it. In fact, a very simple system, both from the point of view of the work of the surgeon and the orthopedist. And aesthetics can be achieved very high ... "

Alexey, Chelyabinsk

The fact that Alfa BIO implants are widely represented in Russia is, first of all, a big plus for patients. This additionally increases the already high chance that the implantation will be successful, because even in a difficult clinical situation, the doctor always has the opportunity to consult with colleagues who are almost all familiar with Alpha BIO.

Patient feedback on Alpha BIO implants:

“I did not regret that I chose the Israeli alpha bio, the floor of Moscow works with them. Then such a misfortune happened.My attending physician went abroad, and 1.5 years after installation, I had a problem - the gums turned red next to the implant. I went to the clinic near the house, just for a consultation, there I got to the implantologist, who also works with alpha bio. It turned out that there was a slight inflammation due to the fact that in the interdental space I did not clean the leftover food well. It didn’t reach a serious stage, they saved my artificial tooth, but the doctor removed the crown from the implant and cleaned it underneath, just in case. And initially I wanted to put other, expensive German ones ... Where would I then seek a doctor with them ... And these implants can be bought in almost any dentistry. ”

Oleg, Moscow

 

What problems will help to solve implants Alpha BIO

There are a lot of implants in the Alpha BIO catalog, and thanks to their wide assortment, you can choose a model for almost any clinical situation. For example, if the patient does not have one or several teeth (both in a row and in different places of the dentition), or if installation is required in a narrow and atrophied bone, as well as with complete adentia.

It is interesting

Restoring aesthetics and chewing function with full adentia, that is, in the absence of all teeth in a row on one or both jaws, is one of the most difficult tasks in dentistry. Patients with a completely toothless jaw do not have many options for tooth restoration - these are removable dentures (made of hard or soft plastic) or, in fact, implantation. Moreover, with the help of implants, it is usually not necessary to restore every lost tooth - this is expensive and would be a rather difficult test for the body. The entire jaw will require from 4 to 6-8 implants, which will be evenly distributed over the alveolar ridge. A prosthesis consisting of a plastic base (artificial gum) and crowns is fixed on top of them.

One of the relatively inexpensive technologies in prosthetics of the entire jaw is All-on-4, in which the prosthesis is mounted on 4 implants (Alpha BIO also allows you to use this technique). In this case, two implants are installed in front, and two more - in the lateral departments.

Now let's see which particular implant models Alpha BIO are present in the catalog:

• ATID model - an implant in the form of a cylinder, which, due to the special shape of the thread, minimizes pressure on the bone, which is important for its small volume, for example, due to atrophy;
• DFI model (Dual Fit) - a universal implant in the form of a cone, its installation allows you to create a compression effect, that is, to tighten the bone. Suitable for almost all clinical cases;
• SPI model: the so-called spiral implant. Recommended for installation simultaneously with tooth extraction, including with a small amount of bone tissue;
• ARRP model (Arrow Press): refers to the category of thin, one-piece implants, that is, monolithically connected to the abutment. Suitable for narrow bones and immediate loading; it is installed in a less traumatic way without massive gingival incisions;
• ARRC model: a thin implant with an external hexagon designed for installation in narrow bones.

In addition to implants themselves (by the way, they differ in size - there are both long and short implants in the assortment), Alfa BIO also produces surgical instruments - an essential attribute of any implantation. The catalog also contains prosthetic elements - stubs, gum formers, abutments and, in addition, biomaterials (artificial bone to increase the volume of natural - alloplants and xenografts, protective membranes), that is, everything that an implantologist may need when working.

On a note

In dental implantation, great importance is given to orthopedics, that is, the possibility of performing functional and aesthetic prosthetics on implants installed. And a very important role is played by abutments. Alpha BIO produces both titanium models (including inclined models for complex clinical situations) and zirconium dioxide.

Unlike titanium, zirconia is not gray, but white, which allows for better aesthetics. Simply put, you can place a zirconia crown on an abutment made from the same material. For comparison, not all brands can offer zirconia abutments.

 

And a few words about the pros and cons of Alpha BIO implants

As follows from the above, the low price of Alfa BIO implants is at a fairly good level of quality, and at least in their price category these Israeli implants look very worthy.

Let us now summarize and summarize what key advantages and disadvantages can be highlighted among implants Alpha BIO. Let's start with the pros:

• universality - thanks to a wide range of models, you can choose a design for almost any clinical situation;
• According to statistics, a fairly good engraftment of implants due to a complex of technological solutions (material, thread, porous surface);
• interchangeability with other Israeli systems;
• good support for this implant system in Russia;
• A large number of implantologists work with Alpha BIO implants today - in case of problems and the inability to contact your doctor, you can choose almost any other adequate implantologist;
• low price for implants (from 20 000 rubles per installation of one implant - by modern standards of dentistry this is considered very inexpensive).

Now let's talk about the shortcomings. Here the situation is interesting: according to the reviews of some practicing implantologists, the main plus of the Israeli Alpha BIO system is only one - this is a low price for implants, but there are more minuses. As an example, below are some of these reviews.

Feedback from the implantologist:

“... When it comes to budget implantology, the patient, and, in fact, the doctor, has a difficult choice - and what to advise and choose so that it acclimates normally and works comfortably. Unfortunately, inexpensive systems have something out of the general rhythm. Either dentures are difficult to install, or you have to rummage during installation. In principle, you can work with Alpha, but the same Germans or Swiss make products an order of magnitude higher, here even the thought does not flash that something will go wrong. "

And here is another doctor’s review about Alfa BIO implants:

“... The implants of the Alpha bio system, unfortunately, are a bit behind life, other manufacturers (even of the same segment) are clearly ahead of them. The line of implants is quite rich, porosity is also a plus, but the choice of abutments has let us down, and from the point of view of orthopedics this is the most important point. Often an implant is inexpensive to install, and then the patient has to give 2-3 times more for prostheses - there can be no talk of budgeting. Although, of course, Alpha won its niche for the posterior teeth, for example, it’s quite good ... "

Thus, among the minuses of Israeli Alpha BIO implants, one can note the sometimes difficulties with prosthetics due to the lack of a sufficient assortment of abutments, as well as the lack of new products and the most modern high-tech solutions.

However, all this does not mean that Alpha BIOs are bad implants - they can be a really good choice in their price category. And although this is a fairly budget option, nevertheless, with a professional installation (and it’s worth choosing, first of all, a doctor, and not a brand) they can last all 20, 30 and even more years.

Implantologist review:

“The patient, of course, should have a general idea of ​​which implants of which brands are on the market today. But the final decision is still made by the doctor, based on the condition of the bone and adjacent teeth, what is the patient’s general well-being. Personally, I like Alpha in many respects, in biocompatibility, convenience, and ease of working with them.And success is 90% dependent on the doctor and the brand of implants does not play a significant role - the main thing is that the implantologist has a certain experience with them. ”

 

Alfa BIO implant warranty is lifetime, but how long will they really last?

According to retrospective studies (from 5 years of observation and above), Alpha BIO implants in the upper jaw take root in 96% of cases, and in the lower - in 98%. This is a fairly good indicator, and the probability of rejection of the implant is low.

But the question is - how long does the Alpha BIO implant last on average after installing it in the jaw?

It would seem that everything is simple and quite rosy here: the manufacturer himself gives an unlimited, lifetime guarantee on implants - which means he is confident in the quality of his products. But in reality (in practice) it turns out that there is no guarantee that implants will last so long - no.

Firstly, it is necessary that you come across a professional and experienced doctor who will not make mistakes when installing the implant. Secondly, it is important that you, as a patient, do not forget to comply with all the requirements both at the stage of preparation for the operation and after it.

Teeth must be taken care of: it may seem surprising to someone, but artificial teeth, like real ones, require hygiene! Increased attention should be paid to the condition of the gums, because they can become inflamed due to the accumulation of plaque on the crowns, which can subsequently lead to inflammation of the bone tissue around the implant (peri-implantitis) and its subsequent rejection.

It is interesting

It should be borne in mind that there are two types of guarantees: from the manufacturer (it is a lifetime warranty for Alpha BIO implants), as well as from the clinic, where, in fact, the implant will be installed. So, the clinic gives a guarantee only for the implant installation service (that is, for the doctor’s work), and it lasts only 1-2 years - during this time, in case of implant rejection, the second operation should be performed free of charge. After this period, the price of the implant can be subtracted from the cost of implantation - it must be replaced by the manufacturer.

 

How much will dental restoration with Israeli implants cost

As noted above, the low price of Alfa BIO implants is perhaps their most important and significant plus. The cost of installing implants is from 20 thousand rubles and more (depending on the clinic). This usually includes diagnosis of the condition of the jaw, anesthesia, the price of the implant itself and the work of the implantologist to install it.

In some cases, it may be necessary to additionally pay for other operations: an x-ray, bone growth, removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth before the procedure, etc.

In addition, the prosthesis is not included in the indicated price. For example, single crowns made of cermet will cost 15-20 thousand rubles, and more advanced crowns made of zirconium dioxide cost from 25-30 thousand rubles and above. That is, the total amount for the restoration of one tooth on the Alpha BIO implant will be from 35-50 thousand rubles (implant + crown).

Patient Review

“I saved up for implantation for about a year, I didn’t feel like suffering with a removable prosthesis, it’s too early at my age ... I studied the entire Internet, I stopped at Alfa bio implants so as not to overpay for expensive ones, there’s just a space price for some. It has been 4.5 years, they are fine, there were no problems during this time. So far I have not regretted that I decided to save. ”

Eugene, 43 years old, Yekaterinburg

If for some reason I did not want to install Alpha BIO implants, then there is always the opportunity to choose from other brands, fortunately, there are a lot of them. For example, Israeli MIS, Adin or South Korean Implantium are in the same price category, and in some clinics they can be installed even cheaper.

Russian implants and products of little-known companies as a whole will be even cheaper, but often they do not meet international quality standards. If you want more expensive - German implants Impro, Ankylos (from 30 thousand) or Swiss Straumann (from 35 thousand).

Alfa BIO implants are a pretty good budget option that you can safely choose if you are not ready to give several hundred thousand rubles for tooth restoration. And finally, we recall once again that it is the attending physician that plays the primary role in dental implantation — how the implants will last and how long they will last depends on his professionalism and work experience.

(If you have experience with prosthetics on Alfa BIO implants - be sure to leave your review at the bottom of this page, in the comment box).

 

What types of prosthetics are there?