The Original Dental Implant Community

Encode Impression System: Discussion

Last Updated: Dec 28, 2010

Biomet 3i is one of the largest implant companies with a long history in the US. It has a wide range of implant fixtures and prosthetic components. 3i developed their Encode system where you place a transmucosal healing abutment with information on the height of the gingival and the emergence profile embedded in the occlusal surface of the healing abutment. The dentist makes a final impression using a polyvinyl siloxane material which is sufficiently accurate to transfer this information so that a prosthesis can be fabricated without having to do a direct implant-level impression. This information is used with the computer assisted manufacturing to mill frameworks for single crowns, fixed partial denture, fixed-detachable [hybrid] and overdentures. We were wondering what your experience has been with the Encode Impression System. For users of this system, could you comment on which impression materials worked the best and whether you used custom or stack trays to make the impressions? Have any of you experienced complications with this system? What is your feedback?

2 Comments on Encode Impression System: Discussion

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Tim Passarello

12/28/2010

I've restored about 15-20 implants using the Encode system. I use Aquasil Ultra LV along with Aquasil putty ina stock tray. Have had no problems. Lab work takes slightly longer since case has to be shipped from local lab to Florida and cost is higher. Convenience of not needing impression copings is the primary advantage.

Leif Gundersen

12/28/2010

I have fabricated 100+ restorations for the Encode system for many dentists using varying types of materials with full arch metal trays. Most of whom use their standard medium bodied vps material. I have had problems with the original robocast placement of the analog. The newer robot is much better, but there are still some slight alterations that need to be made. If you are being charged an implant fee or abutment surcharge, you should ask why. In all of my time restoring this system, I have not had to do any more than pour and mount case work and fabricate a PFM or PFZ. I feel that it is wrong to inflate the price a product that is so easy to work with. My turn around time is still 2 weeks with the encode system. I have not had any issues with the shipping turn around time.

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