A Superior Removable Solution for Implant Patients

The PREAT Clix Abutment

By Bruce Keeling, CDT

As a removables technician, I've worked with many different attachments over the years. Recently, I have experienced great results with the Clix attachment system.

Over the last 3 years I've been involved in a dozen or so Clix cases with excellent results. The Clix is a 2.25-mm diameter ball compatible with most major implant systems. The unique female attachment has cross cuts, just like the old metal dalla bona, allowing the plastic segments to flex (like a Hader clip) out over the height of contour of the sphere and snap into place. The Clix nylon female grabs a greater surface area on the ball, reducing wear on the height of contour, which was one of the major challenges in the past when working with spherical attachments. There are multiple replaceable retention levels, allowing for patient specific retention.

I have found that patients enjoy the audible "click" and positive seating when the female engages the sphere. The limited vertical movement improves patient confidence when we have a fully abutment-supported prosthesis, especially for patients with restorations in the maxillae. It gives them a much more secure feeling as opposed to an attachment with greater vertical resilience that "drops down" after seating. The Clix system is also easier to keep clean compared to other attachments with "cup" abutments that may harbor food and calculus.

This patient presented with a fixed hybrid that she was constantly breaking due to the lack of anterior support. It was decided to convert her to a removable appliance that would not fracture under load. The restorative dentist had previous experience with the Clix and was receptive to this retention system for the patient. The dentist had previously found the Clix easy to process and easy to service.

After pouring the master cast, I fabricated a light-cured record base, incorporating the Clix matrices. The five implants were not totally parallel, which is a major reason I wanted to use the Clix system. The flat top housings may be easily rotated around the spherical males in order to correct angulation and assure easy draw and seating for the patient. Paralleling and incorporating the female attachments into the record base allowed the dentist to verify the master cast, provided a very stable base to record the jaw relations, and stabilize the try-in.

Three months after delivery, the patient is thrilled. She has confidence in her ability to remove and reseat her prosthesis. The audible click and strong retention allows her to be socially confident and her diet has improved due to improved function. Using the Clix system provided positive outcomes for all.

Key Takeaways

› The Clix attachment system uses a 2.25-mm ball compatible with most major implant systems
› The audible click and strong retention help patients feel secure and confident
› Clix is also easier to keep clean compared to other attachments with "cup" abutments that may harbor food and calculus

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.

About the Author

Bruce Keeling, CDT
Adjunct Instructor
A.T. Still University
Mesa, Arizona

Manufacturer Information

PREAT
preat.com
800-232-7732