Nobel Biocare Implant Lines: NobelActive, NobelParallel, NobelReplace, N1 and Brånemark — Connection Differences and How to Choose the Right CAD Library
Nobel Biocare is one of the oldest dental implant manufacturers, and its portfolio includes several product lines with different connection geometries. For digital dentistry this is critical: visually similar implants often have incompatible interfaces and therefore require different CAD libraries for exocad, 3Shape, DentalCAD and other systems.
Below we review the main Nobel families — NobelActive, NobelParallel CC, NobelReplace (TriChannel and Conical Connection), Nobel N1 and classic Brånemark — and explain how to correctly select scan body and abutment libraries.
Brånemark System — External Hex
Brånemark is Nobel's legacy line with an external hex connection (2.7 mm hex width for RP). It is a flat butt-joint interface without a conical seat. Platforms: NP (3.5), RP (4.1), WP (5.1), 6.0.
When choosing a library, make sure to select External Hex Brånemark, not Replace or NobelActive — seating diameters and anti-rotation heights differ. Brånemark scan bodies are not compatible with other Nobel lines.
NobelReplace: TriChannel vs Conical Connection
NobelReplace comes in two fundamentally different versions. The classic NobelReplace Tapered features an internal three-channel TriChannel connection with three distinctive anti-rotation grooves. Platforms are color-coded: NP (yellow), RP (blue), WP (green), 6.0 (purple).
NobelReplace Conical Connection (CC) is a conical interface with a hex anti-rotation feature, biologically and mechanically different from TriChannel. Despite the similar name, the libraries are not interchangeable: choose either Replace Select / Tapered (TriChannel) or Replace CC.
NobelActive and NobelParallel CC — shared Conical Connection
NobelActive (aggressive thread, variable body geometry) and NobelParallel CC (parallel walls) share the same internal Conical Connection with a hex anti-rotation. Platforms: NP (3.5 mm), RP (4.3 mm), WP (5.5 mm).
From a CAD perspective, this is important: for abutments and scan bodies you can use the same Nobel Conical Connection library at the matching platform — components are interchangeable between NobelActive and NobelParallel CC when the platform diameter matches.
Nobel N1 — the new TCC connection
Nobel N1 is a modern line with a fundamentally new connection: Trioval Conical Connection (TCC). The trioval anti-rotation geometry is not compatible with CC, TriChannel or external hex.
For N1 you need a dedicated up-to-date library from Nobel Biocare or its partners (Atlantis, exocad N1 add-on, 3Shape DME). Using a 'similar' CC library will result in gaps and an incorrect prosthetic fit.
How to choose the right CAD library
Selection workflow: 1) identify the exact implant line from the surgical protocol or patient record; 2) confirm the platform (NP/RP/WP/6.0) — it is listed in the Nobel catalog and is usually color-coded; 3) select the matching connection type (External Hex, TriChannel, Conical Connection, TCC); 4) install the official library for your CAD system (exocad, 3Shape Dental System, DentalCAD, Medit Design).
Pay special attention to scan bodies: they are geometrically tied to the library. A NobelActive CC RP scan body cannot be scanned with a Replace TriChannel RP library, even if the diameters look similar. This is the most common mistake in dental labs.
Original vs compatible components
In addition to original Nobel Biocare libraries, the market offers compatible solutions (Medentika, NT-Trading, Createch, etc.) with their own libraries. Their tolerances may differ, so for restorations on original implants it is recommended to use original libraries and components — especially for screw-retained and multi-unit prostheses.
If you need help installing and configuring any version of Nobel Biocare CAD libraries for exocad, 3Shape or DentalCAD — contact us on Telegram or WhatsApp, and we'll help you find the right package for your system.