It is crucial to be aware of the differences when talking about implants.

In the 1980s the expectations of implants with respect to clinical use and aesthetics were comparably limited. Equally so were the means of working titanium, thus the implant connection (connecting the implant with prosthodontics) was rather simple. External hexagons were used to screw on crowns. The disadvantage of this is that during the chewing process, most force applied to a single crown or bridge would be lateral rather than axial; a force that an external connection can hardly bear. The consequences are screw and abutment fractures. Therefore with these connections crowns and bridges need to be screwed instead of cemented. Maintenance and follow-up are excessive for the patient.

Technically caused microgaps in butt-head connections (parallel walls) imply an important presence of micro-bacteria in the area of the implant shoulder. As a consequence we encounter bone resorptions and irritated tissues.

Although these implants are still in use, the tendency of the 1990s was to design implants with internal butt-head connections. The problems could not be solved that way but at least they were reduced, achieving a mechanically more stable connection. The remaining problems are based on the fact that a butt-head connection with parallel walls needs a microgap in order to assemble or disassemble prosthodontic parts.

Naturally, forces cannot jump a gap. As a consequence all the loads produced during mastication cycles are entirely transferred to a fixation screw.

The only solution to that problem is using a morse taper- a gap free connection as used in formula 1 motor racing to fix tyres or in the aviation industry to fix aircraft engines.

Ankylos® transfers that concept to implantology with important benefits:

Fewer implants may support superior loads.

Due to the absence of micro-bacteria and having no micro-gap, there is greater stability of bone and soft tissue around these implants.