Influence of the Prosthetic Interface and Manufactured Metal on the Mechanical Behavior of Two Extra-Narrow Implants.

This article focuses on evaluating the mechanical behavior of two types of extra-narrow dental implants (both 2.9 mm in diameter) with different prosthetic interfaces and metal alloys: the Facility implant (titanium grade 5 alloy with 5-degree internal angulation and no internal threads) and the GM Narrow implant (commercially pure titanium grade 4 with 16-degree internal angulation and internal threads). Using physical and virtual mechanical tests—including fractographic analysis, strain gauge measurements, bending tests, and thermomechanical cycling—the study found that the GM Narrow system exhibited a 25% higher fracture resistance and more efficient stress distribution compared to the Facility system, although strain around the cervical region did not differ significantly between them. Both implant systems demonstrated a 100% survival rate of crowns and prosthetic connections under simulated clinical conditions, supporting their safe use in restricted areas with low masticatory forces, such as mandibular incisors and maxillary lateral incisors. The findings suggest that modifications in implant-abutment design and alloy composition can positively influence mechanical performance without compromising clinical applicability.