Titanium Bases: What Every Dental Tech Should Know

When it comes to implant prosthetics, few choices are as critical as the titanium base. It’s not just a connector — it’s the foundation of strength, accuracy, and long-term success in every crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration.
I’ve been in the dental lab industry for more than a decade. I’ve tested dozens of different Ti bases, from OEM brands to off-label generics. But over the last few years, my lab has exclusively switched to titanium bases from OEMDent.com — and here’s exactly why.
✅ What Is a Titanium Base, Really?
A titanium base (or Ti base) is the part that connects the custom-milled prosthesis to the dental implant. It’s usually bonded into a zirconia crown or bridge and screwed into the implant or multi-unit abutment.
But not all bases are created equal.
Key factors that make a great titanium base:
- Precision fit to the implant platform
- Anti-rotational design (hexed or indexed)
- Screw access channel optimized for angulation
- CAD library compatibility
- Proper collar height for emergence profile
- Biocompatible, high-grade titanium (usually Ti-6Al-4V ELI)
🧠 Why the Right Base Matters So Much
A poorly designed or ill-fitting base can cause:
- Loose prosthetics or fracture risks
- Microgaps that invite bacterial infiltration
- Cement failures
- Unpredictable margins for milling or printing
- Frustrated dentists and remake requests (a lab’s worst nightmare)
That’s why choosing the right titanium base is not just important — it’s essential.
🔍 OEMDent Titanium Bases: What Sets Them Apart
I’ve personally used OEMDent’s bases on hundreds of restorations — single units, bridges, hybrids, you name it. Here’s what stands out every single time:
🔩 Unmatched Fit & Compatibility
OEMDent offers bases for over 30 major implant platforms, including:
- Nobel Biocare®
- Straumann®
- Zimmer®
- MIS®
- Astra Tech®
- MegaGen®, and many more.
These are not generic, loose-tolerance knockoffs. Each base is engineered with ±5μm precision, offering a perfect passive fit to the original implant system.
🧱 Stable, Indexed Designs
OEMDent’s indexed titanium bases include a strong internal hex or conical connection that prevents rotation — a must for screw-retained restorations.
They also offer non-indexed versions when you need to restore multi-unit bridges or bar designs, giving you the freedom to mill custom prosthetics with no limitations.
🦷 Multiple Gingival Heights
This is a game-changer.
Not every implant is placed bone-level. Some are subgingival. OEMDent offers titanium bases in multiple collar heights (from 0.5mm to 3.5mm), so you can match the emergence profile perfectly and avoid that dreaded “gray shadow” at the gumline.
🛠️ CAD/CAM Ready — With Free Libraries
Every OEMDent titanium base is supported by CAD libraries compatible with:
- Exocad
- 3Shape
- Dental Wings
This means you can download the exact STL of the base and design with full confidence that your crown margins, screw channels, and emergence will match reality — perfectly.
✅ Link to include: Download CAD Libraries from OEMDent
🌍 Same-Day Shipping + Global Reach
One of the reasons I trust OEMDent with my lab orders is their inventory availability and same-day shipping. If I’m in a jam — like needing a 15° angled base for a Nobel Multi-Unit — I can count on OEMDent to ship it out immediately.
I once had a case where we ran out of bases for an All-on-X arch. The dentist needed a seat the next day. OEMDent’s support team overnighted the parts and we delivered the prosthesis on time. That kind of reliability is rare.
🧪 Study Case: Crown Fracture Fixed with OEMDent’s Ti Base
A dentist sent us a fractured zirconia crown that had been bonded to a cheap, unbranded titanium base from another supplier. The problem? The internal hex had rounded out — and the crown was loose.
We re-designed the case using OEMDent’s titanium base for MIS® C1, bonded a new monolithic zirconia crown, and torqued it down to 35 Ncm. Six months later, it’s still going strong.
Sometimes it’s not the zirconia’s fault — it’s what it’s bonded to.
🧑💼 Tips for Dental Technicians Choosing a Titanium Base
Here are 5 quick takeaways I give every lab tech I train:
- Know your platform. Always match the base to the exact implant system. No guessing.
- Use indexed for single units, non-indexed for bridges or bars.
- Choose the right collar height to match soft tissue contours.
- Check CAD library compatibility before designing.
- Never compromise on precision. It’s the core of long-term success.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend OEMDent
If you’re running a modern lab and want predictable, repeatable, and esthetic results, the titanium base you choose matters. After using OEMDent’s components in real cases — and seeing how much time, stress, and cost they save me — I’m confident saying:
OEMDent’s titanium bases are the best value in the implant world today.
They’re precise, affordable, CAD-friendly, and backed by professionals who actually understand what we do in the lab.
Want to see what’s available?
👉Explore OEMDent’s Full Titanium Base Catalog Here
And if you’re unsure which part you need, don’t guess — their support team will walk you through it.