Israeli implants Alpha BIO and reviews about them

It is widely known that the Israeli healthcare system is considered to be 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 its products. In particular, there are several dozens of companies involved in the development of products for dental implantation.

Alpha BIO, the products of which 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 prefer Alpha 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 implants Alpha BIO, how well they generally take root, how often they are rejected and whether they have any exceptional features that distinguish them from implants of other manufacturers.And in general, we will try to find out whether it is worth giving preference to Alpha BIO implants when restoring teeth.

 

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

To begin with, let's consider what technological and structural solutions are used in the production of Alpha BIO dental implants, since it is this that largely determines the level of product quality.

 

Use of pure titanium

It is proved that pure titanium is a metal that is biocompatible with the human body. And if, for example, a titanium dental implant is installed in the jaw bone, then the body really does not perceive this seemingly foreign screw as a foreign body, and does not reject it (of course, if the doctor did everything correctly, and the patient followed the appropriate recommendations about we'll talk more about this below).

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 respect, with 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, which included vanadium and aluminum in addition to titanium. This markedly improved the strength of the material and some other technological parameters; however, later it was proved that vanadium in such alloys has a toxic effect on the cells of living tissues, as a result of which implant rejection increases.

In fairness it should be noted that the company Alpha BIO - is not the only one who creates dental implants made of pure titanium. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of manufacturers today use exactly pure metal, and not its alloys, therefore this decision of an Israeli company should not be considered something unique in the world of implantology.

 

Porous surface NanoTec

The next thing that usually focuses on advertising Alpha BIO implants is their special, rough, microporous surface.

Is this surface important in practice and does it have a significant effect on engraftment of the implant?

On a note

After manufacturing, the very first implants were thoroughly polished - it was believed that a smooth surface facilitated their simple 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. The cells of growing tissue penetrate into the micropores - they literally grow into the implant. Thus, the implant is securely fixed and becomes almost a whole with the bone.

Today, most manufacturers of dental implants use their own method of treating the surface of metallic titanium to achieve its microporosity - most often sandblasting using abrasive particles of a given graininess, as well as subsequent acid etching, is used 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 accretion of the implant and bone cells.

For example, in Alpha BIO implants, the surface is called NanoTec. However, no matter how such a surface is called, no matter how much the manufacturers of dental implants praise their technology of forming the surface, for the end user this is trivial, but important,First of all, the fact that the titanium implant does not have a smooth, but rather a 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 accurately repeat the anatomical shape of the root of a living tooth. This allows you to evenly distribute the chewing load from the prosthesis to the bone, as well as increase the load on the implant as a whole.

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

It is interesting

In 2006, the company Nobel Biocare (the founder of all dental implantation) 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 a large thread) was already patented Israeli company Alpha BIO.Therefore, it was decided to purchase this patent, as well as the purchase of a controlling stake in Alpha BIO.

 

Thread and range of implants in the catalog

To make it convenient to install the implant in the jaw (without extra effort and injury to the bone tissue), the product must have a suitable 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 a corresponding implant model with the optimal type of thread.

So, to put it simply, in the case of Alpha BIO implants, the situation in this regard is pretty good. In the case of using, for example, brands of the “economy” category, a doctor cannot always be sure that he will find a suitable implant model in the catalog.

 

The connection of the implant and the hexagon type abutment

This connection is considered to be very reliable and at the same time simple in execution - a recess with six edges is provided inside the implant, and a hexagonal cone on the abutment, respectively. The abutment fits snugly inside the implant, without cracks and micro-gaps, securely 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 gum and serves to attach a crown or any other prosthesis.

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

 

Multifunctional individual packaging

That would seem such a small thing - the packaging of the implant. In practice, it contributes to the convenience of the doctor and reduces the risk of problems for the patient.

After all, 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 the cleanliness of the office, the sterility of the instruments, etc., the purity of the implant itself also plays an important role, which largely depends on its packaging.The product travels thousands of kilometers before it falls directly into the hands of your doctor - and it is extremely important that before implantation the implant is clean, free from external impurities and, elementary, dust.

The individual packaging at Alpha BIO is truly proud: 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's card, which is the guarantor of protection against forgery. In addition, the titanium "screw" itself is very easily removed using the installation tools - that is, it is transferred immediately to the operating bed.

Feedback from the doctor about the systems of implants Alpha BIO:

“This line of the Israeli company has not been changed for a long time (either it doesn’t enter the Russian market, or there is no need for improvement), but the packaging has undergone quite significant changes. Of course, it is not the most important thing in implantation, but it is by no means the least.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 the correspondence on the dental forum

 

Representative office in Russia

From a practical point of view, a very important feature of Alpha 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 well acquainted with this implant system, which cannot be said about a number of premium category brands, which, because of their high prices, far less specialists have been trained to work with.

And in general, if to compare - Alpha BIO company places considerable emphasis on the Russian market and not only brings its products here, but also actively talks about it to doctors (through seminars) and patients (through advertising). Today, seminars, lectures are held in Russia, as well as special courses are organized on how to work with the Alpha BIO dental implantation 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 have been working on the alpha-bio system (Israel) for about three years, in parallel I still have 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, they brought me tomorrow. In fact, a very simple system, both in terms of the work of the surgeon and the orthopedist. And aesthetics can be achieved very high ... "

Alexey, Chelyabinsk

The fact that Alpha BIO implants are widely represented in Russia is, first of all, a big plus for patients. This additionally increases the already high chances 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's report on Alpha BIO implants:

“I didn’t regret having chosen the Israeli alpha bio, half of Moscow works with them. Here such a misfortune happened. My doctor, the doctor, went abroad, and 1.5 years after the installation, I had a problem - my gums reddened next to the implant. I turned to a clinic near the house, just for a consultation, I got there to an implantologist, who also works with alpha bio.It turned out there was a slight inflammation due to the fact that in the interdental gap, I didn’t clean out the leftover food. It did not reach a serious stage, they saved my artificial tooth, but the doctor removed the crown from the implant and cleaned it under it too, just in case. And initially I wanted to put others, dear German ones ... Where would I then look for a doctor with them ... And you can buy these implants in almost any dentistry. ”

Oleg, Moscow

 

What problems will help solve implants Alpha BIO

There are a lot of implants in the Alpha BIO catalog, and thanks to their wide range you can choose a model for almost any clinical situation. For example, if a patient has one or more 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 full adentia.

It is interesting

Restoration of aesthetics and chewing function with full edentulous, that is, in the absence of all the teeth in a row on one or both jaws, is one of the most difficult tasks in dentistry. In patients with a completely edentulous jaw, there are not so many options for the restoration of teeth - these are removable dentures (made of hard or soft plastics) or, in fact, implantation.Moreover, through implants usually do not have to restore every lost tooth - it is expensive and it would be quite a difficult test for the body. The entire jaw will require from 4 to 6-8 implants, which will be evenly distributed along the alveolar ridge. On top of them is fixed prosthesis, consisting of a plastic base (artificial gums) and crowns.

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

Now let's see which models of Alpha BIO implants are present in the catalog:

• ATID model - an implant in the form of a cylinder, which makes it possible to minimize pressure on the bone due to the special shape of the thread, which is important for its small volume, for example, due to atrophy;
• Model DFI (Dual Fit) is a universal implant in the form of a cone, installing it allows you to create a compression effect, that is, seal the bone. Suitable for almost all clinical cases;
• SPI model: the so-called spiral implant.Recommended for installation at the same time as a tooth extraction, including with a small amount of bone tissue;
• ARRP model (Arrow Press): refers to the category of thin solid implants, that is, monolithically connected to the abutment. Suitable for narrow bone and immediate load, it is installed in a low-impact way without massive cuts in the gums;
• ARRC model: a thin implant with an external hexagon designed for installation in a narrow bone.

In addition to directly implants (by the way, they also differ in dimension - there are both long and short implants in the assortment) in Alpha BIO also produce surgical instruments - an indispensable attribute of any implantation. The catalog also contains prosthetic elements - plugs, gum formers, abutments and, in addition, biomaterials (artificial bone to increase the amount of natural - alloplant and xenografts, protective membranes), that is, everything that an implantologist may require during work.

On a note

In implantation of teeth, great importance is paid to orthopedics, that is, the possibility of carrying out functional and aesthetic prosthetics on implants being installed.And abutments play a very important role. Alpha BIO company produces both titanium models (including those inclined for difficult clinical situations), as well as zirconium dioxide.

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

 

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

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

Let us now summarize a little and summarize what key advantages and disadvantages can be identified in Alpha BIO implants. Let's start with the pros:

• versatility - thanks to a wide range of models, you can choose the design for almost any clinical situation;
• According to statistics, a fairly good engraftment of implants due to the complex technological solutions (material, thread,porous surface);
• interchangeability with other Israeli systems;
• good support of this implant system in Russia;
• With Alpha BIO implants, a large number of implantologists work today - in case of problems and the impossibility of going to your doctor, you can choose almost any other adequate implantologist;
• low price for implants (from 20,000 rubles for the installation of a single 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 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 a few such reviews.

Implantologist's review:

“... When it comes to budgetary implantology, then the patient, and, actually, the doctor, has a difficult choice - and what to advise and choose so that it will take root normally, and work comfortably. Unfortunately, inexpensive systems have something that comes out of the general rhythm.Or dentures difficult to put, or have to dig during installation. In principle, it is possible to work with Alpha, but the same Germans or Swiss make products an order of magnitude higher, even a thought will not flicker that something will go wrong. ”

And here is another doctor's tip about Alpha BIO implants:

“... The implants of the Alpha bio system, unfortunately, are a bit behind the times, 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 let us down, but this is the most important point from the point of view of orthopedics. Often, an implant should be installed inexpensively, and then for dentures the patient has to give 2-3 times more - there can be no question of budget. Although, of course, Alpha won its niche for lateral teeth, for example, is quite good ... "

Thus, among the drawbacks of the Israeli implants Alpha BIO, sometimes there are difficulties with prosthetics due to the lack of a sufficient range 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 BIO are bad implants - they can be a really good choice in their price category.And although this is quite a budget option, nevertheless, with a professional installation (and it’s worth choosing, in the first place, a doctor, and not a brand) can last for all 20, 30 and even more years.

Implantologist review:

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

 

The warranty on Alpha BIO implants is for life, but how long will they really last?

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

But the question is - how much an Alpha BIO implant can last on average after inserting it into the jaw?

It would seem that everything here is simple and rather rosy: the manufacturer himself gives an indefinite, lifetime warranty on implants - which means that I am sure about the quality of my products. But in reality (in practice) it turns out that there is no guarantee that implants will last for so long - no.

Firstly, it is necessary that you get 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 requirements both at the stage of preparation for the operation and after it.

You should take care of your teeth: it may seem surprising to someone, but artificial teeth, like real ones, require hygiene! Increased attention should be paid to the state of the gums, because they can become inflamed due to the accumulation of plaque on the crowns, which can later lead to inflammation of the bone tissue around the implant (periimplantitis) and its subsequent rejection.

It is interesting

It should be borne in mind that there are two types of guarantees: from the manufacturer (on Alpha BIO implants for life), and also 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, the work of a doctor), and it is calculated 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 cost of the implant can be deducted from the cost of implantation - the manufacturer must replace it.

 

How much will it cost to repair teeth with Israeli implants

As noted above, the low price of Alpha BIO implants is perhaps their most important and significant plus. The cost of implant installation 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 for its installation.

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

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

Patient Recall

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

Yevgeny, 43 years old, Yekaterinburg

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

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

Alpha BIO implants are a pretty good budget option that you can safely choose if you are not ready to give a few hundred thousand rubles for the restoration of teeth.And finally, we once again recall that during the implantation of teeth, the attending physician plays the primary role - it depends on his professionalism and work experience how it will take root and how long the implants will last.

(If you have experience of prosthetic dentistry on Alpha BIO implants - be sure to leave your review at the bottom of this page in the comments field).

 

Interesting video: an example of the installation of the implant Alpha BIO on the upper jaw

 

What are the types of prosthetic teeth