Independent patient information. Not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Straumann. Read more
Implant Patient GuideIndependent information on Straumann® implant treatment

Treatment

Narrow implants for small spaces and thin bone

Narrow implants are used where space between teeth or bone width is limited, for example for lower front teeth or upper lateral incisors. Straumann's options include the Ø2.9 mm Bone Level Tapered and Ø3.3 mm designs such as Narrow Neck CrossFit.12

Request an assessmentRead the guide
In short
  • Narrow conventional implants carry fixed crowns; mini implants hold dentures.
  • Straumann uses Roxolid® for its narrowest designs.1
  • Straumann advises care with narrow implants in high-load areas.3

Evidence

Systematic review

Systematic reviews found that narrow titanium–zirconium implants have survival and bone-level outcomes similar to narrow commercially pure titanium implants. 45

The reviews note limited numbers of studies and short follow-up (about 1–3 years).

Independent clinical study

In a double-blind randomised trial of small-diameter implants in the lower jaw, titanium–zirconium implants performed at least as well as titanium grade IV implants after 12 months (survival 98.9% vs 97.8%). 6

Follow-up was 12 months; long-term differences cannot be concluded from this study.

Clinical review pending. Facts on this page are checked against the sources listed below (regulatory records, manufacturer documents, peer-reviewed research). A named clinician will review it before we call it medically reviewed.
Last updated 28 Sep 2026 · How we review

Sources

  1. Regulatory recordFDA 510(k) K162890 — Straumann Ø2.9 mm Bone Level Tapered Implants — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2017-03-08. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  2. Regulatory recordFDA 510(k) K111357 — Straumann Narrow Neck CrossFit (NNC) Ø3.3 mm Implant — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2011-10-03. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  3. Manufacturer documentationStraumann® BLX Implant System — Basic Information (702115) — Institut Straumann AG, 2024-11. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  4. Systematic reviewIegami CM et al. Survival of titanium-zirconium vs commercially pure titanium narrow-diameter implants: systematic review and meta-analysis — Clin Implant Dent Relat Res, 2017. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  5. Systematic reviewCao R et al. Clinical outcomes of titanium-zirconium narrow-diameter implants for single crowns: systematic review and meta-analysis — Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2023. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.
  6. Independent clinical studyAl-Nawas B et al. RCT of titanium-13zirconium versus titanium grade IV small-diameter bone level implants in edentulous mandibles — Clin Implant Dent Relat Res, 2012. Accessed 28 Sep 2026.

Educational information only. The choice of implant system depends on your anatomy, restorative plan, bone quality and the clinician's assessment. This website does not recommend a specific implant for you.

Clinical assessment

Find out whether Straumann implant treatment suits you

Send a few details and, if you have one, a recent x-ray. A dentist from our clinical partner reviews your case and replies with next steps. Free and without obligation.

Request a clinical assessment

This website does not diagnose. Only an examination by a dentist can confirm a treatment plan.

Dentist explaining a panoramic x-ray to a couple
Request a clinical assessment