Domestic Or Foreign Implants? What Are The Key Differences?

Local Implant or Foreign Implant? What Are the Differences?

You've decided to get an implant, you've consulted with your doctor, and now comes this question:
"Doctor, is a local implant better, or is a foreign brand better?"

When you do a quick search online, you might encounter very different opinions like:

• Those who say, "Don't stray from foreign brands,"

• Those who say, "Local implants are very good now,"

• And those who say, "The most expensive is the best."

In this article, without mentioning brand names, we will explain the differences between local and foreign implants in a language the public can understand. The goal is not to confuse you further, but to enable you to ask more informed questions when talking to your doctor.

First, Let's Clarify This: Not Every Local Implant is Bad, Not Every Foreign Implant is Good

There is a common belief in society:
"Foreign implants are good, local implants are bad."

This statement is no longer a correct or fair generalization for today.

• There are very high-quality local implant brands in Turkey that have been manufacturing for a long time, invest in R&D, and hold national and international certifications.

• Similarly, there are also foreign-sourced implants with limited global recognition, weak scientific backing, produced solely to be "affordable."

So, what matters is not just the "local–foreign" distinction;
it's which company manufactures, with what quality standards, and with what scientific infrastructure.

What Are the Advantages of Local Implants?

Locally produced implants have some practical advantages:

1. Spare Parts and Ease of Access
   Since production is in the same country,

   • Access to spare materials like screws, abutments, and additional parts is generally faster.

   • If a part is needed in the future, the procurement process can be shorter.

2. Price Advantage
   Since additional costs like exchange rates, import duties, and customs are lower for local implants,

   • They can often offer more economical solutions compared to foreign brands.

   • This is a significant advantage, especially in cases requiring multiple implants.

3. Technical Support and Ease of Communication
   Since the company is within the country,

   • The doctor can reach the company representative more quickly,

   • Necessary training, support, and information acquisition become more practical.

4. Advancing Production Technology
   Significant investments have been made in local implant production in recent years.

   • Many companies hold international certifications like CE,

   • They are striving to meet world standards in terms of surface technology and connection design.

Of course, not every local implant brand is of the same quality;
but the era of "Local = Bad" is now behind us.

What Are the Advantages of Foreign (Imported) Implants?

Foreign implant brands also have their own unique strengths:

1. Long-Term Clinical History
   Some implant brands have

   • Over 30–40 years of clinical use and

   • Scientific studies conducted on thousands of cases.
     This can provide doctors with a "predictable" assurance based on known long-term results.

2. Extensive Academic and Scientific Support

   • Many research and clinical studies conducted worldwide

   • Have been carried out on certain foreign brands.
     This offers doctors a richer resource in terms of scientific data.

3. Global Usage
   Some widely used systems

   • Are also known by doctors in different countries.

   • If treatment or intervention is needed abroad, it may be easier to find a doctor familiar with the same system.

4. Advanced Product Variety
   Especially well-established companies

   • Offer a very wide product range developed for different bone conditions and prosthesis types.
     This can give the doctor more flexibility during the planning stage.

Of course, not all foreign brands are this strong;
there can also be newly established, insufficiently tested products sold expensively just because they are "imported."

What's Truly Important in the Local–Foreign Comparison: Standards and Certifications

The quality of an implant is not determined solely by the question "Is it local or foreign?"
More important questions are:

• Does this implant have a CE certificate?

• Have its long-term clinical studies and results been published?

• Is the connection system (screw–abutment fit) precise and leak-proof?

• Does the company stand behind its product, offering warranty and technical support?

An implant:

• Whether local or foreign,

• If manufactured in compliance with national–international standards,

• Certified,

• Clinically tested, and

• From a reliable company,
  then we can start talking about a truly "good implant."

From the Patient's Perspective: "So, What Should I Ask?"

Patients are right to be confused; because every clinic and every company can say "Ours is the best."
As a patient, when gathering information, you might consider asking these questions:

• "What is the name of the implant brand you will use? How many years has it been on the market?"

• "Does this implant have international certifications like CE?"

• "How does the part supply or warranty process work if any problem occurs?"

• "What are the differences between local and foreign options, and why are you recommending this one to me?"

Working with a doctor who gives:

• Clear, straightforward,

• Non-defensive,

• Reassuring,
  scientific and logical answers to your questions is even more important than the brand itself.

"Put in the Most Expensive One for Me, So It's the Best" – Is This the Right Approach?

Some patients look at it the opposite way:

"Doctor, put in whichever is the most expensive, so I can have peace of mind."

Expensive isn't always bad, but:
The equation "Most Expensive = Best" is not always true either.

• Depending on your bone structure,

• The type of prosthesis you need,

• Your health condition,

• Your aesthetic expectations,
  sometimes a more economical system can also perform very long-lasting and trouble-free.

That's why what matters is:

• Evaluating the price/performance balance,

• Considering it together with the doctor's experience,

• Focusing not just on the "label," but on the planning tailored to you.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Local Implant?

If you want to get a local implant, you can clarify the following points with your doctor:

• "How many years has this local brand been in use?"

• "How many years have you been working with this brand in your own practice?"

• "Have you ever experienced any serious problems with this implant before?"

• "Will parts be easily obtainable if needed in the future?"

If you get reassuring answers