If you have an edentulous (or soon to be edentulous) patient who needs a full arch smile restoration but is not a good candidate to go straight into a fixed solution, you may be weighing the options for removable implant-retained solutions. Whether it’s due to fear, bone loss, or budgetary concerns, there are a variety of reasons a patient may not be a good candidate for a fixed-arch solution. As a happy medium between traditional removable dentures and fixed screw-retained dentures, removable overdentures still provide increased confidence, improved quality of life, and affordability. Plus, since your patient will only need to have two implants placed before getting their new smile, the procedure can be less intimidating from the patient’s perspective.
At Zest Dental Solutions, we offer two removable implant-retained options: The original LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx. R-Tx was created as the next generation of the original LOCATOR abutment system, but there are still a few reasons why you may want to opt for the original. Every case is unique, so your decision will depend on your patient’s needs and lifestyle as much as the differences between these two treatment options. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the differences, features, and benefits of each option.
Abutment Coating
The easiest difference to spot between the original LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx is the abutment coating. Our original LOCATOR abutments feature a gold colored Titanium Nitride coating. It is a durable coating that also helps prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Our LOCATOR R-Tx abutments, however, feature a pink DuraTec® Titanium Carbon Nitride coating. Not only is the DuraTec coating harder and more wear-resistant, but it is also a more aesthetic color, intended to match both the patient’s pink gingiva and the pink acrylic of the prosthesis base.
Tool Compatibility
Another difference that may influence your decision is tool compatibility. The LOCATOR R-Tx system requires a standard .050/1.25 Hex Insert Driver for square driver torque wrenches or a standard .050/1.25mm Hex Driver for latch-type torque wrenches. Conveniently, you may already have these tools on hand!
The original LOCATOR system’s drive mechanism utilizes either our Dedicated Core Tool (which includes a hand abutment driver) or our new and improved Enhanced Core Tool. (Not sure which Core Tool might be best for you? Check out this recent blog article to help you decide!) The main benefit of opting for the Enhanced Core Tool is that it can be used in both fixed and removable procedures, so if you are thinking about offering both to your patients, it may be worth going with the Enhanced Core Tool.
Patient Seating & Retention
Both the original gold LOCATOR and the pink R-Tx have dual retention features*, but the method of mechanical retention varies between the two. The original LOCATOR utilizes a single large external ridge as well as a center indentation that is filled in by a plug in the nylon insert for extra retention. The external ridge resists vertical movement, while the center indentation plus nylon insert plug resist horizontal movement. However, if plaque builds up inside of the gold abutment, it can affect your patient’s ability to seat their denture properly as there may not be room for the nylon insert to fit into and over the abutment.
In contrast to the original LOCATOR’s single external ridge, the R-Tx has two external ridges to facilitate dual retention and resist vertical movement. You will also notice that they are tapered in size with the smaller ridge sitting on top. This conical shape makes it easier for the patient to guide their prosthesis into place as the smaller abutment top is easier to find than the flatter, wider base of the original gold abutments. In addition, the absence of the center recess means there is less chance for food, debris, and bacteria to build up there, making it a better option for the patients with poorer hygiene, too!
What does this mean for the patient? The original LOCATOR boasts a larger ridge and internal niche for more retention and a sturdier feel in your patient’s mouth while the R-Tx abutments are easier to seat with their tapered profile and functions better for patients with poor hygiene. So, if your patient has hygiene concerns and complains about struggling with seating their denture, R-Tx may be the way to go for them. On the other hand, if they want more stability and hygiene is less of a concern, the original gold abutments might be a better choice.
*It is important to note that extended range inserts only offer single retention/engagement as they do not fill the center cavity of the gold abutment.
Versatility in Angle Correction
When it comes to angle correction, R-Tx reigns supreme every time. While the legacy LOCATOR system can accommodate a maximum of 20º per implant with extended range inserts, the R-Tx system can accommodate up to a whopping 30º per implant using standard range inserts!
If you have a patient you are referring out to get their implants placed, and they come back with implants that are angled in a less than ideal manner – it happens to the best of us – you can make use of R-Tx’s versatile angle correction and pivot function to put yourself back in control and manage this frustrating case complication.
Packaging Options
If you are looking for convenient all-in-one packaging, R-Tx will be your new best friend! The R-Tx Removable Attachment System comes in custom all-in-one, double-ended vial packaging to take the guesswork out of ordering and reordering. If you have different staff members placing your restock orders, this may be a good option for you!
In contrast, if you are looking for more of an à la carte option, you will want to go with the legacy gold LOCATOR system. Original LOCATOR components are sold separately, making it a good option for clinicians who find themselves with either an excess or shortage of certain parts and don’t need to reorder all the parts in a combo package each time.
Patient Outcomes & Overall Goals
To sum things up, if you have a patient who is not ready for a permanent fixed solution, but might want to upgrade down the line and you feel confident in the angulation of the implants, you may want to opt for the original LOCATOR treatment solution.
Alternatively, if your patient’s implants are a bit more angled than what the original LOCATOR can accommodate and they are sure they won’t want a fixed solution down the line, LOCATOR R-Tx is a safe bet. R-Tx will also afford you more simplicity so this is a great option for clinicians who may be newer to restoring overdentures.
Still unsure which option is best for you? Feel free to contact our clinical support team. They are on stand by and ready to help you and your patient succeed! You can also access live, on-demand video support here or by clicking on the chat icon in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. We are here to help answer all of your product questions and offer in-clinic support when you need it most.
Have you tried R-Tx yet?
If you have experience using R-Tx, we’d love to hear about it! Or, if you are a die-hard fan of the original LOCATOR, please tell us how you are using this treatment solution in your practice – We’re all ears! Join the conversation by connecting with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. We can’t wait to hear from you.
