A Friendly Guide to Avoiding Messy Restorations and Costly Redos
Let’s be real for a second.
You know that feeling when a patient comes back in because their brand-new implant restoration doesn’t quite fit? Maybe the bite feels off. Maybe there’s an annoying little gap. Maybe they’re giving you that “Uhh… something doesn’t feel right” look.
And you’re standing there, mentally running through everything:
✅ Implant placed perfectly? Check.
✅ Lab followed instructions? Check.
✅ Patient didn’t chew rocks while healing? Hopefully check.
So what went wrong?
Chances are, the issue started way back at the impression stage and the impression coping – that small but crucial component, wasn’t doing its job well enough.
Yeah, I know. It’s tiny. It’s easy to overlook. But that little piece of metal or plastic can literally make or break the final outcome of an implant restoration.
So let’s talk about it. We’re going to cover:
✅ What impression copings actually do (and why they’re a big deal)
✅ Open-tray vs. closed-tray copings – Which one should you use?
✅ Why cheap copings can cause BIG headaches
✅ How using high-quality copings can save you time, money, and stress
✅ Where to find the best impression copings for foolproof accuracy
By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to avoid impression-related mishaps and set yourself (and your patients) up for success.
Grab a coffee, and let’s dive in. ☕
Wait, What Exactly Do Impression Copings Do Again?
Okay, quick refresher:
Impression copings are tiny components that help transfer the exact position of a dental implant to a working model.
Think of them as the “GPS signal” that tells your lab exactly where the implant is, at what angle, and how deep it sits in the gumline.
Sounds simple, right? Well… kind of.
The thing is, if this “GPS signal” is even a little bit off, you might end up with:
🚨 A crown or bridge that doesn’t seat properly
🚨 Extra occlusal adjustments (aka more chair time and frustration)
🚨 Annoyed patients who expected a perfect fit
🚨 Potential implant failure due to excessive stress
And we both know that fixing a bad impression is 10x more painful than getting it right the first time.
So let’s make sure you’re using the right type of impression coping for each case.
Open-Tray vs. Closed-Tray Impression Copings: Which One’s Better?
Ah, the age-old debate. Open-tray or closed-tray?
Short answer? Both are great, it just depends on the case.
🔹 Open-Tray Impression Copings (Pick-Up Technique)
Best for:
✅ Multiple implants
✅ Angled implants
✅ Full-arch restorations
How it works:
1️⃣ You attach the coping to the implant.
2️⃣ You take the impression while the coping stays in place.
3️⃣ You unscrew the coping before removing the tray.
Why it’s awesome:
🎯 Incredibly accurate – there’s almost zero chance of repositioning errors.
🎯 Best for tricky cases where implant angles need to be transferred precisely.
Downside?
❌ Requires a custom open tray (but totally worth it for accuracy).
🔹 Closed-Tray Impression Copings (Transfer Technique)
Best for:
✅ Single implants
✅ Posterior cases (where open-tray access is tough)
How it works:
1️⃣ You take the impression while the coping is still attached.
2️⃣ You remove the impression tray.
3️⃣ You then unscrew the coping and place it into the lab model.
Why it’s awesome:
🎯 Faster and easier, especially for single-implant cases.
🎯 Great when patient access is limited (hello, tight posterior spaces).
Downside?
❌ A small risk of misalignment – if the coping isn’t seated perfectly in the lab model, your final restoration might be off.
So, what’s the verdict?
📌 For ultimate accuracy, go with open-tray impression copings.
📌 For convenience and speed in simple cases, closed-tray is a solid choice.
Either way, quality matters more than the technique you choose – which brings us to an important point…
Why Cheap Impression Copings Are a Disaster Waiting to Happen
I get it, saving money is great. But you know what’s not great?
🛑 A poor-fitting restoration that requires a remake.
🛑 A frustrated patient who loses confidence in you.
🛑 Redoing work on your own dime.
That’s exactly what can happen when you use low-quality impression copings.
Here’s why cheap copings are a BAD idea:
❌ Poor retention in the impression – They don’t stay secure, leading to inaccurate transfers.
❌ Subpar materials – Some warp or bend, throwing off your entire restoration.
❌ Dimensional inconsistencies – Even a tiny error can result in a crown that won’t seat properly.
❌ More remakes = more time, stress, and wasted money.
👉 The lesson? Never cheap out on impression copings. Your future self will thank you.
Why OEMDent Impression Copings Are a Game-Changer
At OEMDent, they know that precision = success. That’s why their high-quality impression copings are:
✅ CNC-machined for extreme accuracy – No guesswork, no errors.
✅ Made from medical-grade titanium & stainless steel – Durable, reliable, and built to perform.
✅ Compatible with all major implant systems – No mismatched components.
✅ Priced competitively – Because high quality shouldn’t mean outrageous costs.
If you’re tired of dealing with poor-fitting prosthetics, OEMDent impression copings will help you get it right the first time.
Final Thoughts: Want Stress-Free Restorations? Start with the Right Impression Coping.
Here’s the deal:
💡 A perfect implant starts with a perfect impression.
💡 A perfect impression starts with a high-quality coping.
So if you’re serious about predictable results and happy patients, don’t cut corners.
👉 Check out OEMDent’s premium impression copings here: OEMDent Impression Copings
By choosing OEMDent, you’re not just buying implant components – you’re investing in smooth, stress-free restorations.
And honestly? That’s worth every penny.
Here’s to perfect implants, happy patients, beautiful smiles and fewer headaches! 🦷
