Do You Know What Your Lab Is Selling You?
As with any industry, the dental lab sector is full of specialized terminology that’s often misused or misunderstood, leading to confusion over product quality and compatibility. Before diving into the benefits of genuine OEM parts, it’s crucial to clearly distinguish between the three main categories of abutments—OEM, knockoff, and third-party—so you know exactly what you’re ordering and can avoid surprises in fit, warranty coverage, or long-term performance. Understanding these differences empowers you to make informed decisions, protect your patients’ outcomes, and maintain the integrity of your restorative work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear, concise answers to your most common questions about abutment options and lab terminology. Learn how OEM, knockoff, and third-party parts differ in quality, fit, and warranty impact. Find out what information you need when submitting cases, how to verify component authenticity, and best practices to ensure predictable long-term outcomes. If you have any other questions, our team is always ready to provide expert guidance—just reach out by phone, email, or through our online portal.
An OEM abutment is produced by the original implant system manufacturer, engineered to the precise specifications of the implant platform. This guarantees exact fit, optimal load distribution, and consistent material properties. Because it’s made under the implant maker’s quality‐control protocols, you preserve the implant’s factory warranty and benefit from full technical support and documented performance data.
Knockoff abutments are unlicensed replicas designed to look like OEM parts but are produced without the implant maker’s oversight. While they may appear to fit, they often lack rigorous batch testing, documented material traceability, and the tolerances required for a perfect seal. Using knockoffs can lead to misfit, mechanical complications, and automatic voiding of any remaining manufacturer warranty.
Third-party abutments come from independent dental-component manufacturers who develop their own designs and quality standards. Some invest heavily in material testing, CAD/CAM precision, and FDA or CE certification, producing reliable parts at lower cost. However, compatibility, long-term stability, and warranty coverage can vary between suppliers, so it’s essential to review their validation data, service history, and regulatory approvals before integrating them into your practice.