What are the best dental implants?

Last updated on: 3 Sep, 2026

When missing teeth need to be replaced, choosing the right dental implants is a decision that affects both the outcome of the treatment and long-term comfort and aesthetics. In dental implantology, there are hundreds of systems and manufacturers of dental implants, which can make the choice confusing for the patient.

Implant treatment in Bulgaria is developing rapidly, and today patients have access to the same world-class systems used by leading European clinics.

“The best dental implants are those that fulfil their purpose, i.e. the patient can eat normally, experiences no pain, the tissues around the implants are healthy and free from inflammation, and, of course, the patients are satisfied and smiling” – says Dr Radoslav Simeonov, chief dentist at Dentatime Clinic and one of Bulgaria’s most experienced implantologists, in a special interview.

According to Dr Simeonov, although there may be hundreds of implant systems on the global market, understanding the main types of implants and their characteristics helps patients make an informed decision. 

The appropriate implant solutions are determined following consultation with an implantologist and the preparation of a personalised treatment plan, which is based on a thorough analysis of each individual case. Dental implants are a long-term, lifelong solution, and patients need to place their trust in an experienced implantologist.

The demand for dental implants in Bulgaria is growing, and the right choice of system and specialist determines the long-term success of the treatment.

 Image: freepik

What types of dental implants are there?

Despite the huge variety of implant systems on the market, dental implants can generally be divided into two main categories based on their design – single-piece and two-piece screw implants. Each of these types has its own specific characteristics and applications.

Single-piece implants

Single-piece, basal or bicortical implants are monolithic structures in which the implant body and the abutment form a single unit. They are placed in the deep (basal/cortical) parts of the bone and allow for immediate loading. 

Basal implants are suitable for patients with advanced bone resorption, as they do not require bone grafting or a sinus lift. They allow treatment to be completed within 3–5 working days. and which is why they are called fast (express) implants . 

Two-piece screw implants

These classic implants consist of two main parts: the implant body, which integrates into the bone, and the abutment (superstructure), which is attached once osseointegration is complete. 

The treatment process with this type of implant is longer, taking between 3 and 6 months, but they are suitable where there is good quality and quantity of bone tissue. Two-piece implants are mainly used for the restoration of single or a small number of missing teeth.

There are also systems designed for treating patients with a complete edentulous arch – All on 4, All on 6 or All on X. Implants also differ in the material from which they are made.

Titanium implants

These are made from medical-grade titanium or special titanium alloys, which ensure excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration. Titanium implants are the most common type and account for 99% of all dental implants on the market.  The material is extremely strong and integrates naturally with bone tissue.

Zirconia implants

These are made from zirconium dioxide. Zirconium implants are preferred by patients seeking an alternative solution or who have a metal allergy. They have a natural white colour, which ensures excellent aesthetics.

Classification by price segment:

• Low-end (low-quality) implants – manufactured by uncertified producers, with questionable hygiene standards during production and outdated technology.
• Mid-range implants – offer excellent value for money. They come from established manufacturers with full quality certifications such as FDA, CE and ISO. 
• Premium-class implants – these are products from global leaders with decades of clinical research, innovative technologies and the highest predictability of results. High-quality dental implants in this category demonstrate better long-term stability.

With correct placement, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, the expected lifespan of implants can be several decades or even a lifetime. 

The choice between different types of dental implants depends on a number of factors and always begins with a detailed assessment and planning process to determine the most suitable solution for each individual case.

Image: freepik

Who are the leading manufacturers of dental implants?

There are over 2,000 implant systems on the global market from hundreds of dental implant manufacturers. Experts recommend choosing systems from companies with in-house production, a closed production cycle and full quality certificates, which guarantee control at every stage of manufacture. 

Of the more than 800 manufacturers worldwide, only around 62 have their own factories with a closed production cycle. Proven dental implant brands are precisely those where the manufacturing process is entirely under control and backed by decades of clinical documentation.

Dentatime Clinic works with established global implant manufacturers from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and Israel, who have proven their reliability over the years.

Straumann (Switzerland)

Straumann is a global leader and pioneer in dental implantology with over 60 years’ experience in the industry. The company is distinguished by its innovative developments and exceptionally high quality standards. 

The system offers exceptional predictability of results and is classified as a premium-class implant. Straumann implants are among the most preferred by implantologists worldwide due to their proven long-term stability.

ETK Lyratec (France)

ETK Lyratec is a French manufacturer of dental implants, distinguished by European quality and innovative solutions in implantology. The company offers a variety of implant systems that combine reliability and affordability. 

ETK Lyratec holds the necessary European quality certificates and adheres to strict manufacturing standards. Implants from this brand are the preferred choice in many European clinics thanks to their good value for money, which places them in the mid-range implant category.

Bredent (Germany)

Bredent is a German implant system, part of the Bredent Group, which has been on the market since 1995. The company began manufacturing implants in 2006 and offers a wide range of products and modifications that are easy to work with and suitable even for the most complex cases of implantation and prosthetics. 

The manufacturer continuously develops and refines its products, maintaining German quality at affordable prices. Bredent is classified as a mid-range implant brand and is the preferred choice in many Bulgarian and European clinics.

Conclusion

The choice of dental implants is an individual process that depends on many factors – the condition of the bone tissue, the number of missing teeth, general health, aesthetic requirements and budget. The key to successful treatment is a combination of a high-quality system, professional execution by an experienced specialist, and good oral hygiene following treatment.

The implantologist is the one who will conduct a thorough analysis of your case, familiarise you with different types of dental implants, and propose implant solutions backed by scientific research and clinical experience. Your smile and dental health deserve the best professional care and high-quality materials.

Frequently asked questions

What role do manufacturer’s warranties play when choosing implants?

The manufacturer’s warranty is an important indicator of the system’s quality and reliability. At Dentatime Clinic, we work with manufacturers who offer a lifetime warranty on implants as medical devices, covering manufacturing defects – this is a clear sign that the manufacturer stands behind its product.

How does the long-term stability of different implant brands compare?

Long-term stability is determined by the quality of the material, the surface treatment of the implant and the clinical documentation supporting the system.

How does the implantologist’s experience influence the final choice of system?

An experienced implantologist is familiar with the characteristics of the various systems and can select the most suitable one for the specific case. Dr Radoslav Simeonov, with over 25 years’ experience in implantology, tailors the choice of system to the available bone volume, the patient’s general health and their expectations.