Hey guys! Let’s chat about something that's been making our lives a whole lot easier in our workflows. We are constantly wrestling with complex implant cases, funky implant angles, or are just looking for alternative, yet reliable solution than what the OEM companies are offering, For me, that’s where DESS Multi Unit Abutments (MUAs) have stepped in and solved nearly all of my issues and have provided a simple, trustworthy, and affordable solution..

I've been working with these components for a while now, and honestly, they've become my go-to solution for just about every full-arch restoration that I have come accross. Today I want to walk us through everything I’ve learned about DESS MUAs, including their game-changing MUA Plus line, and explain why they might just become our new best friend in the lab.

What Exactly Are Multi Unit Abutments?

Before we dive into the DESS specifics, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what we are discussing here. Multi Unit Abutments are specialized implant components that serve as intermediaries between the implant fixture and your final restoration. Think of them as translators that help solve some of the most common headaches we face in implant dentistry.

Unlike standard abutments that are typically designed for single crowns, MUAs are specifically engineered to handle complex situations. They're the heroes of full-arch restorations, All-on-4 cases, All-on-6 bridges, and hybrid dentures. These little workhorses can correct implant angulation, standardize prosthetic platforms, and distribute occlusal forces more evenly across multiple implants.

The beauty of MUAs lies in their ability to turn a potentially complicated case into something much more predictable. Got an implant that's angled at 25 degrees because the surgeon had to avoid the sinus? No problem. Different implant depths causing headaches with the prosthetic design? MUAs have got us covered. They essentially give us a clean slate to work with, regardless of what's happening at the implant level.

Why DESS Multi Unit Abutments Are Different

Now, while every major implant company makes their own version of MUAs, DESS has taken a completely different approach. Instead of locking us into one proprietary system, they've created a comprehensive solution that works with over 27 different implant systems. (nd adding more all the time!)

DESS MUAs are available for all these implant systems in both engaging and non engaging configurations, and they're compatible with all the major brands existing in the market. This means we are able to standardize our inventory and workflow while still accommodating whatever implant system the referring doctor prefers to use.

But compatibility is just the beginning. Every DESS MUA is manufactured from medical grade 5 ELI Titanium, which provides exceptional strength and biocompatibility. They follow the original implant manufacturers torque and driver specifications, so we don't have to worry about compatibility issues or having to stock different torque wrenches for different systems.

One of the features that really sets DESS apart is their SelectGrip treatment. All DESS Straight and Angled Abutments have the unique SelectGrip® treatment which provided greater adhesion of the structure with the cement for stronger retention to the restoration. In practical terms, this means better retention and fewer callbacks for loose restorations.

Options for Every Situation

DESS offers their MUAs in several configurations to handle just about any clinical situation you might encounter. Let's break down what's available:

Straight MUAs: These are our bread-and-butter components for cases where the implants are reasonably well-positioned. Straight MUA+ Abutments are suitable for clinical cases with up to 40° implant divergence, which covers the vast majority of situations we'll see.

Angled MUAs: Available in both 17° and 30° angles, these are lifesavers for those cases where implants had to be placed at challenging angles. They are available in these angled versions and engaging & non-engaging from 1 to 5mm collar height depending on the implant system. The angled versions help us achieve proper emergence profiles and screw access even when the implants are significantly off-axis.

Height Variations: DESS MUAs come in multiple collar heights ranging from 1mm to 5mm, depending on the implant system. This flexibility allows us to accommodate different tissue thicknesses and achieve consistent prosthetic margins across multiple implants.

Engaging vs. Non-Engaging: Depending on our preference and the clinical situation, we can choose between engaging MUAs that lock into the implant's anti-rotational features, or non-engaging versions that provide more flexibility for achieving passive fits in multi-unit restorations.

The Game Changer: DESS MUA Plus

For me, the most impressive addition to the DESS lineup is the MUA Plus. This isn't just an incremental improvement over their standard MUAs; it's a complete rethinking of what a multi-unit abutment should be. I’m a huge fan of anything that supports gingival shape and health, and the MUA+ do just that.

DESS® MUA+ are specifically designed to offer high precision and superior outcomes in full arch restorations. These abutments provide versatility for multiple implant restorations ensuring enhanced comfort and reduced risk of complications. What makes them so special? Several key innovations:

Anatomical Profile: This premium abutment features an Anatomical Profile ensuring faster adaptation of the gingiva for a more precise fit and enhanced aesthetics which results in optimal performance of the full arch restoration. I like to call this: “Approaching anatomically correct shape” - In practical terms, this means better tissue adaptation and more natural-looking emergence profiles.

Periocoat® Surface Technology:  Incorporating periocoat® surface technology the MUA+ offers both biological and mechanical advantages contributing to better long-term implant success. The periocoat treatment reduces plaque adhesion and provides higher corrosion resistance, which translates to healthier tissue response and longer-lasting restorations.

Enhanced Precision: Engineered for a precise fit, DESS® MUA+ ensure correct alignment between the prosthesis and implant connection, simplifying restorative procedures. This level of precision reduces chairside adjustments and makes your final restorations more predictable.

DLC Coated Screws: Select connections feature DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coated screws that provide enhanced retention and increased preload. This means more secure connections and less risk of screw loosening over time. Also of note, the screw heads and torque values are 100% matched to the original implant system – no new tooling or torques wrench needed!

Digital Workflow Integration

Everybody knows that I am all in on digital, and one thing I really appreciate about DESS is how they've embraced digital dentistry. The MUAs are available in free CAD/CAM libraries for Exocad®, 3Shape®, and Dental Wings®, making framework design more efficient and accessible. This isn't just a nice-to-have feature; it's essential for modern lab workflows.

Having access to accurate digital libraries means you can design your frameworks with confidence, knowing that the virtual components match exactly what you'll be working with physically. DESS®

Multiunit and Dess Uniabutment® libraries allow the design of multiple screw retained restorations in most of the CAD/CAM systems. This integration eliminates guesswork and reduces the need for physical try-ins and adjustments.

Why This Matters

Let's talk about the real-world benefits of switching to DESS MUAs. First and foremost, there's the peace of mind factor. When we're working with a system that's been tested across dozens of implant platforms, we know we're getting proven performance. The comprehensive testing and FDA support that comes with DESS components means we can recommend these solutions with confidence.

From a practical standpoint, standardizing on DESS MUAs simplifies our inventory management significantly. Instead of stocking separate MUA systems for Nobel, Straumann, Zimmer, and every other implant system we work with, we can maintain one comprehensive DESS inventory that covers everything. This reduces costs, simplifies ordering, and eliminates the confusion that comes with managing multiple proprietary systems.

DESS offers a Lifetime Replacement Warranty on Original Implant and DESS Abutment, which demonstrates their confidence in their products and provides additional security for our practice.

Compatibility

One of the biggest advantages of DESS MUAs is their incredible compatibility range. DESS® MUAs are compatible with most brands on the market. This includes all the major players:

Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Biomet, BioHorizons, and many others.

This compatibility extends beyond just fitting the connection. DESS has done the engineering work to ensure that their MUAs work with the prosthetic platforms and workflows we're already familiar with. The abutments come with various gingival heights and a standardized prosthetic platform to suit different patient needs, and in most cases, they use the same 4.8mm prosthetic platform that we're already working with from other manufacturers.

Clinical Applications: When to Use DESS MUAs

DESS MUAs shine in several specific clinical situations. Full-arch restorations are the obvious application, particularly All-on-4 and All-on-6 cases where you need to correct implant angulation and achieve consistent screw access. DESS® MUA+ are optimized for immediate loading in multiple screw-retained restorations including All-on-4, All-on-6 bridges, and hybrid dentures.

But they're also excellent for complex partial restorations where you have multiple implants at different angles or depths. The ability to standardize the prosthetic platform while accommodating variations at the implant level makes these cases much more manageable.

Hybrid cases, where you might have some screw-retained and some cement-retained restorations in the same arch, are another area where DESS MUAs excel. DESS® MUA+ are the ideal choice for direct screw-retained or mixed restorations. The flexibility to mix different restoration types while maintaining consistent prosthetic protocols is invaluable in complex cases.

The Lab Technician's Perspective

From a lab standpoint, working with DESS MUAs will absolutely streamline our workflow. The consistent prosthetic platform means we can use the same techniques and materials regardless of the underlying implant system. The digital libraries integrate seamlessly with our CAD software, and the physical components arrive exactly as specified in the digital files.

The quality control is consistently excellent. I've been using DESS components for several years now, and I can't remember the last time I had a fit issue or manufacturing defect. This reliability is crucial when we're working on complex cases with tight deadlines.

The technical support from DESS is also noteworthy. When questions arise, their technical team actually understands the clinical and laboratory aspects of what we're trying to accomplish. They're not just sales people reading from spec sheets; they're knowledgeable professionals who provide real guidance. I depend on them a lot!

Cost and Value Proposition

Let's be honest about costs. DESS MUAs are competitively priced compared to OEM alternatives, but the real value comes from the systemic benefits. When we can standardize our inventory, reduce our learning curve, and eliminate compatibility concerns, the total cost of ownership actually decreases significantly.

The lifetime warranty adds another layer of value that's hard to quantify but important for long-term case management. Knowing that DESS stands behind their products with concrete guarantees provides peace of mind that's worth a lot in our business.

DESS as a Partner

What I appreciate most about DESS is their approach to the market. They're not trying to lock you into their proprietary implant system; they're trying to make your life easier regardless of what implant systems you work with. DESS Dental Multi-Unit abutments can adapt even when there is a divergence between implants or when the restoration has both screw-retained and other types of restorations.

This philosophy makes DESS a true partner in our labs, rather than just another vendor. They understand that the real world of dentistry involves working with multiple systems, dealing with varying skill levels among referring doctors, and managing complex cases with limited time and resources.

Making the Switch?

Using OEM components is always a comfortable and easy solution, yet availability and costs can be factors that drive us to look for alternative options.  When I first considered making a switch to DESS MUAs on a case, I started with a straightforward situation – no crazy angles, plenty of space -  to get familiar with their workflow and components. The learning curve is truly minimal if you are already experienced with MUAs, but it was worth taking the time to understand their specific features and benefits.

The digital libraries are an excellent place to start. Download the library from their website for free and spend some time exploring the available components. The comprehensive documentation and case studies on their website provide excellent guidance for getting started.

A Practical Solution for Real-World Challenges

After working with DESS Multi Unit Abutments for several years, I can honestly say they've become my primary solution in my implant workflows. The combination of broad compatibility, consistent quality, innovative features like the MUA Plus with periocoat technology, and excellent support makes them a clear choice for complex implant cases.

Whether we're dealing with challenging angulation, multiple implant systems, or just looking for a more predictable workflow, DESS MUAs offer a practical solution that addresses real-world challenges. The MUA Plus line, in particular, represents the kind of thoughtful engineering that makes difficult cases manageable and good cases even better.

In our business, having reliable partners makes all the difference. DESS has proven themselves to be exactly that kind of partner – one that understands our challenges, provides real solutions, and stands behind their products with meaningful support. I encourage you to give them a try on your next complex case; I think you'll be as impressed as I've been.