21Mar

How to choose the best implants on the market?

If you’ve already talked to a few implant clinics, you’re certainly in a doubt if their implants are really as good as claimed. Brands like Straumann and Nobel Biocare may already sound familiar to you. In this post you will find out about the different brands, their prices, how the implants are manufactured, how they differ and, most importantly, how to make sure you get the best quality for your money. Dental implants have been used with over 96% success for many years now and many companies fight to get into the 500-dollar screw business. This leads to a marketing fog in which it is difficult to navigate. To help you break though, let us explain quite simply how an implant is produced and why we think that material, processing and design are more of a marketing trick rather than a real advantage. This post will clear the details so you can make an informed choice about which implant system to go for.

Titanium
All dental implants are made of the metal Titanium. To make it suitable for the purpose the one used in dental implants has special impurities to meet the requirements. Based on this it is classified into several categories, namely Grade-4 and Grade-5 are the ones suitable for dental implants. Grade-4 and Grade-5 do not mean that one is superior over the other, but simply that they have different properties and are applicable in different cases. We want to stress on this because the sales people, and often patients, speculate on these classifications, highlighting them as if they were some kind of privilege. The fact is that all implants manufactured in the EU meet strict standards and you can rest assured if you are shown a TUV certificate. Do inquire for it! Stay away from the ones, produced in Turkey, China and Israel, as there the standards are different.

Processing
You will see a lot of marketing about the processing of the implant surface. It is considered important because it integrates with the jawbone in a process, called osteointegration. Here, the smart sales guys are getting really creative and “go up and beyond” on which processing is better, pulling all sorts of marketing tricks such as reviews, studies, measurements, etc. What we’ve personally seen in the several implant factories we visited while choosing an implant partner, and which we consider to be a valid argument, is that cheap production lines may skip some of the chemical treatment steps while processing the surface. To be precise, part of the process is blasting of the implants with fine sand – we were shown how high-end machines do it individually for each implant besides some manual processes, while the low-end ones may blast hundreds of implants at the same time and so the polishing is not properly angled. Besides that, there are more processing steps like treatment with acids and other chemicals. For example, in Europe the final sterilization of dental implants is centralized into only a few large plants.

Design
You will also find differences in the design – each company claims that its unique design provides benefits to the patient. What stays hidden of you is actually the desire of each implant brand to restrict doctors to using only their tools for implantation. This leads to limiting the patient, where he can “service” the implant – if it is from an unpopular brand you will find it difficult to find a clinic around you to do the job.

The BRAND
There are hundreds of implant manufacturers. They can be divided into three general categories:

- - Tier 1: There is scientific research which confirms the long term benefits of the implants in this category. These implant system are considered the best quality and are offered at highest prices. The brands include Straumann, Nobel Biocare and a few others.
  - Tier 2: There is scientific research and validation of the success of these implant systems which are mid-priced. The implants are mainly from Western Europe, USA, Japan and South Korea.
  - Tier 3: Little or no scientific research supports the clinical use of these implants. The systems in this group are mostly replicating the technologies from the first two tiers and are offered with significant price discounts. These implants are offered by unlimited number of manufacturers – from the prestigious European countries to Turkey and China.

While preparing this post, we’ve gone through read a lot of research papers. The full list is available here (References). The scientific research is clear – there is no scientific evidence of the advantages of one type of implant over another, one brand over another. Implant failure almost always comes from other factors, namely non-compliance with the established protocols. The famous pioneer of implants and professor, George Zarb has formulated it very well:

“Implants do not fail. When implants are placed correctly in healthy patients, they achieve osseointegration (i.e., a bone connection). If the implants fail, it is due to an operator error.” (a link to the interview)

So the question should not be “Which implant system is best?” but rather, “Which implants are right for the particular surgical and reconstructive case?”.

If you’d like to know what implants we offer – please read the following post:
What quality to expect from Sofia Implant Centre. Materials used, services & work standards.

Our Promise and Guarantee

We treat every patient with respect, responsibility and professionalism.

All our reconstruction works carry a 5-year guarantee subject to proper post-treatment care. All implants have a lifetime structural guarantee.

Get your free individual treatment plan today!

We will repsond within 24h

First name

Family name

email

Tel.

I agree with the Privacy policy and Terms of Service!

For immediate support please contact:

Kris-George Alexander
Treatment Consultant
Tel./Viber: +44 7488 428593

kris@sofiaimplantcentre.com

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 895 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paul brierley 
 October 9, 2026
 
 
  I cant fault Sofia Implant in any way very professional and look for perfection in all they do. Im 70 and spent 3 or 4 years deciding should i get full implants upper and lower jaws wish i had had it done 10 years ago so if your thinking about it stop thinking give them a call and they will book your flight sort out a hotel infact you just need to get to the airport job done
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Niik Van der Heijden 
 October 9, 2026
 
 
  A wonderful experience for a personal health journey. Staff and quality have been attentive and helpful from start to finish. Totally recommend Sofia Implant Centre.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Elenor Rodeo 
 October 9, 2026
 
 
  A special thank you to Sofia Implant Centre for my beautiful temporary dental crown! 🦷✨ I truly appreciate the excellent workmanship, attention to detail, and care provided by the team. Thank you to all the friendly staff and amazing assistance of Kris, Dr. Eva & Antoinette for making the experience so smooth and comfortable. Your professionalism is truly appreciated! Will see you all again later ❤️
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Sven Schumann 
 October 7, 2026
 
 
  Hervorragende Behandlung
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hervorragende Behandlung und Betreuung – absolute Empfehlung!

Ich möchte mich ganz herzlich beim gesamten Team des Sofia Implant Centre für die hervorragende Behandlung und Betreuung bedanken.

Besonders hervorheben möchte ich Frau Dr. Eva Kraskova. Sie arbeitet äußerst gewissenhaft, präzise und einfühlsam und hat eine beeindruckende Liebe zum Detail. Man merkt jederzeit, dass ihr die Qualität der Arbeit und das Wohl des Patienten wirklich am Herzen liegen. Ich habe mich bei ihr fachlich und menschlich sehr gut aufgehoben gefühlt.

Auch die Arbeit des Labors war hervorragend. Die Qualität, Präzision und Ausführung haben mich sehr überzeugt.

Ein besonderes Dankeschön möchte ich Herrn Dimitar Belkin aussprechen. Bei meinem letzten Besuch befand ich mich in einer besonderen Situation, und er stand mir dabei sehr professionell, verständnisvoll und mit viel Empathie zur Seite. Seine kunden- und lösungsorientierte Art hat mir in diesem Moment sehr geholfen.

Auch Herr Hristo Ivanov hat uns in dieser konkreten Situation sehr unterstützt und war jederzeit hilfsbereit und verständnisvoll. Vielen Dank dafür!

Die gesamte Klinik zeichnet sich meiner Erfahrung nach durch eine außergewöhnlich hohe Kundenorientierung, Professionalität und Lösungsorientiertheit aus. Man fühlt sich als Patient nicht einfach nur behandelt, sondern wirklich ernst genommen und persönlich betreut.

Auch die Organisation rund um den Aufenthalt war hervorragend. Wir waren in einem Partnerhotel der Klinik untergebracht und auch der Hol- und Bringservice hat absolut reibungslos und zuverlässig funktioniert.

Besonders beeindruckt hat mich außerdem die hochmoderne Zahn- und Untersuchungstechnik, die in der Klinik eingesetzt wird. Alles wirkt sehr professionell und auf einem modernen technischen Stand.

Ich bin mit meiner Behandlung und der gesamten Betreuung sehr zufrieden. Sollte bei mir in Zukunft wieder eine zahnmedizinische Behandlung notwendig sein, würde ich mich ohne zu zögern wieder für das Sofia Implant Centre entscheiden.

Ein großes Dankeschön nochmal für die hervorragende Arbeit und Betreuung.

Von mir eine klare Empfehlung und 5 Sterne! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sven Schumann
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Christian Grimm 
 September 27, 2026
 
 
  Part one done. Some minor complaints, but nothing regarding the medical treatment. Once I complete the process I will write it more detailed. But right now I can only recommend the clinic to anyone looking for implants.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Bonita 
 September 23, 2026
 
 
  Страхотни професионалисти ! Препоръчвам !
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Лъчезар Шивачев 
 September 22, 2026
 
 
  Искам да споделя че завурших своята Холивудска усмивка във София Имплант и не само че съм много доволен а просто това е наи добрата инвестиция която съм правил
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sandra Letts 
 September 11, 2026
 
 
  Absolutely wonderful service.
Super happy with my beautiful teeth.
Staff all very helpful and friendly 😊
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dimitar Tomov 
 September 4, 2026
 
 
  I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team at Sofia Implant Centre for their exceptional care and attitude toward patients.
A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Hussain, an incredible specialist whose expertise is second to none. My case was so complex and challenging that it could literally be featured in a dental medicine textbook! Despite this, Dr. Hussain completely reassured me from day one, encouraging me and giving me full confidence that everything would go smoothly and that I would achieve both a beautiful smile and excellent oral health.
I also want to extend my special thanks and appreciation to my patient coordinator, Simeon. Thank you, Simeon, for your utmost professionalism, gentle approach, and warm, friendly attitude throughout the entire process. You made me feel truly supported at every step.
I could not be happier with the results and the whole experience. I will whole-heartedly recommend Sofia Implant Centre to all my friends and family!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nicholas Cesaroni 
 August 15, 2026
 
 
  I had full upper and lower all on six implant treatment at the Sofia Implant Centre in February 2026, followed by permanent zirconium bridges in August. The results are exceptional — my smile looks fantastic and I can eat normally again.
My thanks to Dr Rafid Hussain, the head surgeon, for the outstanding surgical work, and to Dr Ogur Inal, who fitted my zirconium bridges with real precision and care. I also want to give special thanks to Kris George my Consultant, who managed to secure me an appointment at the last minute when the Centre was fully booked.
All the staff were friendly, supportive, and highly professional throughout my treatment. I couldn’t be happier with the experience or the final result. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Eleni Chercheletzaki 
 August 3, 2026
 
 
  I recently visited Sofia Implant Centre for a check-up of my All-on-4 implants, which I had completed there 3 years ago, and my experience continues to reward me for choosing their excellent services.

My consultant this time, Diyan Shkodrov, was extremely helpful with booking the hotel and arranging my transfer, along with the sweetest clinic guide at the airport, whose name I unfortunately forgot.

My meeting during the check-up with dental specialist Dr Kliment Bekiarov, who was also responsible for creating my final smile, was as always very warm, welcoming, and full of positive energy. He was more than willing to answer all my questions, and the check-up showed that everything was flawless.

Sofia Implant Centre is one of the most modern and top-quality dental clinics, adhering to the highest European standards with excellent equipment, impeccable cleanliness, and outstanding organised patient care.
Everyone on staff—from the drivers and receptionists to the nurses, consultants, and doctors—is dedicated and highly specialised in their role. The system works seamlessly, inspiring trust, organisation, and professionalism.

I greatly appreciate the doctors' honesty and ethics, which clearly outweigh short-term profit, as well as their detailed transparency. This was evident in the meeting following the panoramic X-ray to determine the treatment plan.

My case was particularly challenging for All-on-4 in the upper jaw due to my very thin bone structure, which carried the risk that the implants might not integrate after the multiple extractions required. The decision was ultimately mine on whether to proceed.
My consultant at the time, Lina—a Greek woman raised in Bulgaria—was always willing to explain, advise, and support me on a personal level throughout our communication, from start to finish.
So, I decided to take the leap, go ahead with the extractions (which had to be done eventually anyway), and move forward with the implants.

The surgery was a success, and everything went perfectly thanks to the surgeon and the nurse assistant. It was a long and thorough procedure that required delicate handling, expertise, and, of course, patience from all of us. My bone was thin but dense and strong. I mention this because while an X-ray may show available bone, it cannot always reveal its actual quality or density.

The follow-up process was very satisfying, both for my temporary teeth and especially for the final set, where we used Digital Smile Design simulations. Dr Kliment Bekiarov carefully listened to and discussed all my preferences regarding the shape, size, and colour of my teeth.

As a result, I now have a wonderful, natural-looking smile that feels completely my own. They are fully functional, and the total cost was significantly lower than it would have been in Greece.

I wholeheartedly recommend Sofia Implant Centre to my friends in Greece and abroad whenever a similar need arises.
Thank you to everyone at Sofia Implant Centre. May you all be well and blessed!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kathleen O'Hare 
 July 31, 2026
 
 
  Would highly recommend this clinic staff so friendly and the place is so hygienic was there November 2025 to have my temporary teeth fitted and will be returning soon for my finals couldn't be happier with everything
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Иван Смиленов 
 July 10, 2026
 
 
  I was very pleasantly surprised by this dental clinic right from the start.

From start to finish, I was treated professionally, yet very warmly and with great care. Special thanks to the doctors, who are outstanding professionals: Dr. Rafid, Dr. Ugur, Dr. Bekyarov, all the dental assistants, and my consultant, Simeon Atanasov, who was always there for me, took a lot of time, and explained everything very clearly whenever I called him with questions—from treatments to prices—and gave me a warm welcome every time I visited the clinic. At every step, I felt well-informed and in safe hands.

The entire team is incredibly friendly, attentive, and kind. You can tell right away that they truly put their hearts into their work. The atmosphere at the clinic is very pleasant; it makes you feel comfortable and well taken care of.

I will definitely recommend your clinic to as many friends and family members as possible.

Thank you so much for the great service!
Ivan Smilenov
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Evans 
 June 14, 2026
 
 
  The clinic is fabulous and you're well cared for throughout the whole process and I would highly recommend Sofia Implant Centre. They arrange airport pick up, provide details of nearby hotel accommodation and free clinic driver to collect you from your hotel to the clinic and back for all appointments. The only reason I have given 4 stars is because despite the colour of my implants being lightened, I'm still not happy with the colour and could do nothing about it as it was my final fitting.
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   Stefan Schnäbele 
 June 11, 2026
 
 
 recommends Regarding my fears of flying and going to the dentist, it was a surprisingly pleasant stay. The treatments, and especially the implant placement, were carried out quickly and professionally, without significant pain or swelling. The doctors and the team there are very professional and friendly, even during longer procedures!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stefan Schnäbele 
 June 11, 2026
 
 
  Regarding my fears of flying and going to the dentist, it was a surprisingly pleasant stay. The treatments, and especially the implant placement, were carried out quickly and professionally, without significant pain or swelling. The doctors and the team there are very professional and friendly, even during longer procedures!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Newton 
 June 4, 2026
 
 
  Brilliant
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stefanie Trenova 
 April 25, 2026
 
 
  Absolutely delighted with my experience with Dr. Grunov and the dental nurse working with him Dimi.
Extremely professional, polite and very knowledgeable. All my appointments went smoothly and promptly and Dr Grunov went above and beyond.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Riccardo Ridolfi 
 April 16, 2026
 
 
  So happy that I choose Sofia Implants for my new smile . After a lot of research and reading other reviews Sofia Implants was by far the best. From arranging hotels and transfer to and from the clinic. The clinic itself is spotless and staff is very friendly. Kris was amazing , to arranging my appointments and keeping me upto date with everything . If your looking for a new smile then Sofia Implants is for you
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Darryl DE JAGER 
 April 7, 2026
 
 
  Having teeth pulled, bone graphs and then implants is a scary experience. I just want to say, A Big THANK YOU. My teeth colour matched, look real, am happy and no pain a week later. That's priceless.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Vassil Dimitrov 
 March 10, 2026
 
 
  I am very satisfied with the treatment I have received at Sofia Implant Centre. From the friendly and professional behaviour at the registration desk to the guiding consultat, high professional processing of installing 4 dental implants by the doctors and nurses and all supporting personel. I would definitely be very glad to suggest your services to all friends of mine.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Haywood 
 March 6, 2026
 
 
  From early stages inquiry Kris talked me through the process booked my flights and Sofia implant centre did the rest got to choose my hotel which this you pay yourself but get a discount via the clinic. All the transfers to and from the clinic was taken care of. All the staff were professional and welcoming went over my plan after 3d cray everything was explained and the costs were broken down. All medication was provided pain, antibiotics and vitamin c all to help with the healing process. At the end of a week of treatment I was fitted with my temporary teeth after agreeing color and size for 6 months then back for my permanent. Thank you to all the team from the drivers to the surgeons and everyone else like receptionists and nurses. The centre is kept immaculately clean and got shown round the centre even the lab in house that make the teeth. Definitely recommended it.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marina Mia 
 February 26, 2026
 
 
  I’m in awe of the flawless care received at this clinic. .
Dr. Gronov, the surgeon whose name I did not catch🙈,  plus the entire team were efficient, transparent, respectful and kind. The level of care provided was outstanding and I felt in good hand’s with these fellas.
I may have finally found the perfect care after my dentist of 20 years recently let me down
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ivelina Succaria 
 February 20, 2026
 
 
  The doctors and the whole team of Sofia Dental gave me an amazing experience during my stay there. They made me feel heard, respected and cared. The team is highly professional and flexible, they made my whole stay and treatment stressless and smooth. I liked the eye for detail that the staff has and the way they manage to tackle my treatment and fulfill my idea of healthy glamorous smile. I highly recommend the clinic. Everyone should give themselves a professional, stressful and satisfying dental treatment and I am sure Sofia Dental Centre is the right place for everyone.
  
 
     Posted on Facebook  
   
   Ivelina Succaria 
 February 20, 2026
 
 
 recommends The whole team of Sofia Denta, dear all, thank you so much for the professionalism and the whole amazing experience you gave me. You change lives and I dare say you are the best European dent clinic.