SELECTGrip® Surface vs Traditional Interfaces

In implant prosthetics, long-term success does not depend solely on the implant itself. It also depends on the precision, stability and overall quality of the implant–prosthetic interface. Micro-movements, loss of preload and mechanical complications are frequently linked to insufficient interface performance—especially in demanding rehabilitations where occlusal forces, angulation and component stacking increase the mechanical challenge.

To address these limitations, DESS® developed in 2.009 SELECTGrip® Surface Technology: a proprietary surface solution designed to enhance friction, stability and mechanical behaviour at the prosthetic interface. But how does it differ from traditional machined interfaces—and why does that matter clinically?

Why the Implant–Prosthetic Interface Is Critical

The interface between the implant and the prosthetic component is not a passive connection. It is a functional mechanical junction that directly influences:

Mechanical stability (resistance to rotation and displacement)
Load distribution (how forces are transferred through components)
Screw preload maintenance (how reliably the screw remains tensioned)
Long-term biological and prosthetic outcomes (because mechanical instability can trigger a cascade of complications)

Even minimal micro-movements at the interface can contribute to problems such as:

Screw loosening
Component wear
Mechanical failures (fracture, deformation, loss of fit)
Peri-implant complications (linked to instability, micro-gaps and the consequences of repeated movement)

For clinicians and technicians, interface behaviour is often the difference between a restoration that remains stable over time and one that requires repeated maintenance.

Limitations of Traditional Interfaces

Traditional interfaces rely primarily on geometric fit achieved through precision machining. This is essential—but it is not always sufficient on its own.

Smooth machined surfaces can present inherent mechanical limitations:

Lower friction coefficient between components
Greater risk of micro-movement under functional load
Higher dependence on screw preload alone to resist rotation and settling
Increased risk of long-term mechanical instability, particularly in high-load or multi-unit cases

In other words: with conventional smooth interfaces, stability is often “asked” mainly from the screw. If preload drops due to settling, repeated loading or micro-movement, mechanical complications become more likely.

What Is SELECTGrip® Surface Technology?

SELECTGrip® is a DESS® proprietary surface treatment designed to increase microscopic surface roughness in a controlled, predictable way at the prosthetic interface.

SELECTGrip® increases retention values by up to 500% compared to the same untreated abutment. This is achieved through a sandblasting treatment, a thoroughly controlled industrial process applied during the manufacturing procedure, resulting in a flawless finish without risk for damages to critical surfaces. This preserves a clean gingival area, an achievement almost impossible to get in a laboratory manual procedure.

Rather than relying purely on geometry plus screw tension, SELECTGrip® introduces an additional mechanical contributor: enhanced surface interaction.

This results in:

Increased friction between components
Improved mechanical interlocking at a micro level
Greater resistance to rotational and axial forces
Better maintenance of screw preload over time (by reducing micro-movement and improving stability at the interface)

The goal is straightforward: improve interface stability without compromising precision, especially where mechanical predictability is critical.

SELECTGrip® vs Non treated Interfaces: Key Differences

Feature	Non treated Interface	SELECTGrip® Interface
Surface	Smooth machined	Micro-textured optimised surface
Friction	Standard	Significantly increased
Stability	Depends mainly on screw preload	Screw + friction + surface interaction
Micro-movement	Higher risk under load	Strongly reduced
Long-term behaviour	More dependent on maintenance	Improved mechanical reliability

This comparison highlights a key concept: precision fit is necessary, but surface behaviour can be the factor that improves real-world stability once loading cycles begin.

Clinical and Mechanical Benefits

By enhancing surface friction and reducing micro-movement, SELECTGrip® is designed to provide practical benefits that matter daily in the clinic and laboratory, including:

Improved stability in multi-unit and complex rehabilitations
Reduced risk of screw loosening
Better long-term mechanical performance
Increased predictability in full-arch and high-load cases

These benefits are particularly relevant in scenarios such as:

Full-arch restorations
Multi-unit bridges using Ti-Base
High occlusal load situations (bruxism, posterior zones, cantilevers)
Complex prosthetic rehabilitations where multiple components or angulated corrections may increase mechanical demands

For clinicians, this translates into fewer unexpected mechanical events. For technicians, it supports confidence in passive fit and stability over time—especially when restorations must perform reliably under repeated load.

Scientific Validation

SELECTGrip® has been assessed through mechanical testing and comparative evaluation to measure interface performance. Reported outcomes include:

Higher resistance to rotational forces
Improved maintenance of preload
Greater mechanical stability compared with conventional interfaces

What This Means for Clinicians and Distributors

For clinicians

SELECTGrip® is designed to support everyday clinical goals:

Greater confidence in long-term results
Fewer mechanical complications
Higher predictability in complex cases
Reduced chair time associated with maintenance

When stability is improved at the interface, the restoration becomes less dependent on the screw alone helping reduce the likelihood of loosening events that can compromise outcomes and patient satisfaction.

For distributors and key accounts

SELECTGrip® provides a clear, communicable differentiator:

A technology-driven advantage, not just “compatibility”
A strong technical story grounded in interface mechanics
Added value beyond standard components, particularly in premium and complex indications

In competitive markets, this kind of differentiation helps shift the conversation from price to performance—supporting both positioning and long-term partnerships.

Conclusion

In modern implant prosthetics, precision is no longer enough. Stability, friction and mechanical behaviour at the interface level are key contributors to long-term success—especially as treatment plans become more complex and functional demands increase.

With SELECTGrip® Surface Technology, DESS® sets a new standard in prosthetic interface performance, offering clinicians and partners a solution designed for predictability, reliability and clinical excellence.