How to Choose the Right Implant Library: Brand, Platform (NP/RP/WP) and Diameter
Selecting the wrong implant library is one of the most common reasons for crown and abutment remakes in CAD/CAM workflows. A platform mismatch of just 0.1 mm — or confusing NP with RP — leads to marginal gaps, rotation and failed screw retention.
Let's walk through how to pick the correct library for a specific clinical case based on three key parameters: implant brand, connection platform and diameter.
1. Identify the exact brand and product line
The first step is to confirm the manufacturer and product line. Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Astra Tech (Dentsply Sirona), MIS, Megagen, Osstem, Neodent and Zimmer each have several lines with different connection geometry. For Nobel that includes Active, Replace and Parallel CC; for Straumann — Bone Level, BLX and Tissue Level.
Use the patient passport, the implant package sticker or the surgical report. Never guess the library by the look of the scan body — visually similar scan bodies from different brands have completely different interface geometry.
2. Understand NP, RP and WP platforms
NP/RP/WP (Narrow/Regular/Wide Platform) refers to the prosthetic platform diameter — the seating area for the abutment, not the implant body diameter itself. For Nobel Replace, NP = 3.5 mm, RP = 4.3 mm, WP = 5.0 mm. Other brands use the same letters with different millimeter values.
Critical point: a 4.3 mm implant may be RP in one brand and NP in another. Always cross-check both body diameter and platform code in the library name. Entries like 'NP 3.5' and 'NP 3.5 NobelActive' are different libraries with different hex geometry.
3. Match implant diameter with the connection type
The implant diameter (3.5 / 4.0 / 4.3 / 5.0 mm, etc.) drives the choice of Ti-Base or custom abutment. The library must match not only the brand and platform but also the specific Ti-Base supplier: OEM (Nobel, Straumann CARES) or compatible (Medentika, NT-Trading, DESS).
If the lab uses compatible Ti-Bases, download the corresponding library (e.g. 'DESS NP Nobel Active') rather than the original Nobel one — seating height and shape differ, which directly affects crown marginal fit.
4. Check library version and CAD compatibility
Libraries are released for specific versions of exocad (e.g. 3.0 Galway, 3.1 Rijeka), 3Shape Dental System and DentalCAD. Installing an outdated or incompatible version may cause the scan body to be unrecognized or the restoration to be built with distortion.
Before installing, verify: library release date, supported format (DME for exocad, .dme/.constructioninfo), presence of scan body (.SCB), TiBase and model analog files.
5. Pre-planning checklist
Before you start modeling, run through a short checklist: brand and line confirmed by documentation; platform (NP/RP/WP) matched to the diameter in millimeters; correct Ti-Base manufacturer selected; library matches the CAD version; scan body in the library visually matches the physical one.
Also verify gingival cuff height and screw channel angulation — both are embedded in the library and directly impact esthetics and screw retention strength.
Help with libraries and installation
Our catalog hosts verified implant libraries for exocad, 3Shape and DentalCAD covering major brands and platforms. If you need help choosing a specific library, installing any version of CAD software or integrating DME files — contact us on Telegram or WhatsApp and we'll assist promptly.