A Ti-base is a prefabricated titanium base: the crown is bonded to it in the lab and the assembly is screwed into the implant. It is the more economical option, but Ti-bases come in a few stock heights and lengths, so they fit when the platform, access position, and tissue space allow it. A custom abutment is designed for the case: its emergence profile, margin position, and path of insertion follow the tissue and the final crown. Choose it when implants sit deep or when contour, angulation, or esthetics need control. At ArtyCad, implant crowns on either take 7–10 business days.
Four questions that decide it
Go through them in order. One yes is enough for a custom abutment; four noes mean a Ti-base will do.
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Will the crown be cemented?
If yes, plan a custom abutment: our Ti-base crowns are screw-retained only.
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Does the angulation need more control?
When the angulation needs more control than a stock base allows, a custom abutment is designed around the implant position and the final crown.
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Does the implant sit deep in the tissue?
A stock base is limited here; a custom abutment brings the margin and contour up to the tissue. More on this below.
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Is it a visible tooth where tissue contour matters?
A custom abutment shapes the emergence to the case, so it supports the soft tissue instead of following a stock shape.
No to all four? A Ti-base keeps the case simpler and costs less. We use original manufacturer Ti-bases and screws, and we review the platform, access position, and tissue contours before recommending one. See Ti-Base Crowns and Custom Abutments.
A Ti-base gives the crown a stock shape to sit on; a custom abutment shapes the emergence to the case.
Ti-baseCrown bonded to a stock titanium base
Custom abutmentShaped to the tissue and the crown
Deep implants and tissue height
The difference matters most when the implant sits deep in the tissue. With a stock Ti-base, the height of the base decides where the crown meets it and how the emergence leaves the implant. A custom abutment lets us set the margin at the tissue depth and shape the contour to support the tissue around the crown. If the scan shows a Ti-base would compromise emergence, support, or the margin, we recommend a custom abutment before design starts.
Titanium or zirconia custom abutment
Titanium custom abutments are milled in our Brooklyn lab and suit most cases. Zirconia abutments suit esthetic cases where tissue color matters, for example thin tissue in the front of the mouth. Not sure which fits? Send the case notes and we help review whether titanium, zirconia, or a hybrid solution makes the most sense.
| Ti-base | Custom abutment | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A prefabricated titanium base with the crown bonded to it. | An abutment designed and milled for this implant, tissue, and crown. |
| Shape | Stock heights and lengths. | Emergence profile and margin designed for the case. |
| Margin position | Set by the stock height of the base. | Planned around the tissue depth for clean seating. |
| Deep implants | Limited: the stock height decides where the crown meets the base. | Suited: the abutment brings the margin and contour up to the tissue. |
| Material | Original manufacturer titanium base and screw. | Titanium, milled in-house, or zirconia for esthetic cases where tissue color matters. |
| Retention | Screw-retained. | Screw-retained or cement-retained. |
| Cost | Lower. | Higher: the abutment is designed and milled for the case. |
| Typical choice | Single screw-retained crowns where platform, access, and tissue space allow it. | Deep implants, thin or esthetic tissue, angulation, and cement-retained crowns. |
| Turnaround | 7–10 business days. | 7–10 business days. |
Records to send
- Implant system and platform
- Scan body or impression details
- Tooth number, shade, and photos for visible cases
- Opposing arch and bite
- Tissue depth notes and any access-channel preferences
We use original manufacturer parts for most implant brands and work with Straumann, Nobel Biocare, Zimmer Biomet (ZimVie), Dentsply Sirona (Astra Tech), BioHorizons, Neodent, Hiossen (Osstem), MegaGen, MIS, Dentium, and other major systems. Send scans through Submit Digital Case, or ship physical records with free PDS pickup in New York City and New Jersey or a free UPS label from other states. For screw or cement retention, see Screw-Retained vs Cement-Retained Implant Crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ti-base cheaper than a custom abutment?
Yes. A Ti-base is prefabricated, so it costs less than an abutment designed and milled for the case.
Can a Ti-base crown be cement-retained?
At ArtyCad, Ti-base crowns are screw-retained. Cement-retained implant crowns always use a custom abutment.
Do you use original Ti-bases?
Yes. We use original manufacturer Ti-bases and screws for most implant brands.
How long do implant crowns take?
7–10 business days, on a Ti-base or a custom abutment.
