Materials

Titanium presents a beneficial combination of properties, including low modulus of elasticity and high strength to weight ratio.

This metal is also highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of an oxide layer on its surface after being exposed to air. This layer is insoluble and provides protection to the metal surface, and a biocompatible bed for the biological events that lead to bone integration. Because of the optimal properties of titanium, fracture of dental implants can be considered as a rare clinical complication, with incidence varying between 0-6%.

The intraosseous part of NDI Medical Implants are produced from commercially pure grade 4 titanium, while the external parts are made from Grade-5 titanium.

Titanium constitutes the seventh most common metal found in the earth’s crust, being as sturdy as steel but with a lighter density. The thermal conductivity of titanium resembles that of dental tissues and its elastic modulus resembles the one of bone tissues.

There are four types of commercially pure titanium used for dental purposes, which have no impurities. The percentage of oxygen and iron increases from grade 1 to 4. Grade 1 titanium is the softest and strength increases for grades 2 and 3, with grade 4 being the strongest with the highest tensile strength. All inner parts of NDI medical implants are made from grade 4 titanium.

During production, the Grade-4 titanium alloy from our company is hardened to achieve the strength of the Grade-5 alloy. The difference in strength between these two types of titanium is 3% or less, with grade 5 presenting higher yield and tensile strength than grade 4 commercially pure titanium.

The outside parts of the NDI implant systems are made from Grade-5 titanium.

According to professor Branemark, who uncovered the biocompatibility of titanium and first used it in the form of dental implants, osseointegration is described as the microscopic phenomenon where a direct connection is observed between an endosseous implant and the surrounding living osseous tissues.

In dental practice, osseointegration provides the basis for functional and permanent integration between implants and bone, allowing implants to withstand the masticatory load.

It is the biocompatibility of titanium that provides the right conditions for the creation of strong links between the titanium implant and the surrounding bone and attachment of osteoblasts, which leads to subsequent bone integration. Thus, titanium is essential for osseointegration, which is in turn paramount for long-term clinical function of dental implants.

The importance of using high-quality commercially pure titanium and its alloys cannot be underestimated in the fabrication of superior dental implants. NDI Medical is proud to use titanium grade 4 and grade 5, which meet the highest quality standards in the production of biomedical products.

NDI Medical Implants only work with the best materials available, not only for the fabrication of first-class dental implants, but also for the fabrication of outstanding surgical instruments to facilitate optimal implant placement.

The instruments produced by NDI Medical Implants are made of special stainless surgical steel, which presents excellent properties, such as high resistance to corrosion, optimal antibacterial properties and ability to withstand exposure to sterilization and chemicals without degradation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about the top quality materials used in the fabrication of the NDI Medical Implants and surgical instruments.