Straumann BLX vs Bone Level: Geometry, Connection and exoplan Library Comparison
Straumann offers two fundamentally different bone-level implant lines — the classic Bone Level (BL/BLT) and the newer BLX. For both clinicians and dental technicians, understanding the differences matters not only clinically but also during digital planning: implant geometry dictates the drilling protocol, the surgical guide and, crucially, the CAD library used in exoplan.
This article covers the design, prosthetic connection and indications of both systems and gives practical guidance for selecting the right CAD library.
Geometry: cylindrical vs fully tapered
Straumann Bone Level (BL) is a cylindrical implant with parallel walls and the SLActive surface. BLT (Bone Level Tapered) adds an apical taper for better primary stability in soft bone and extraction sockets. Available diameters are 3.3, 4.1 and 4.8 mm across the NC and RC platforms.
Straumann BLX is a fully tapered implant with progressive aggressive threads and an Apically Tapered design. It is engineered for immediate placement and immediate loading even in low-density bone (D3–D4). Diameters range from 3.5 to 6.5 mm on a single TorcFit prosthetic platform.
Prosthetic connection: CrossFit vs TorcFit
Bone Level uses the internal conical CrossFit connection with four indexing grooves. It comes in two sizes: NC (Narrow CrossFit, Ø3.3) and RC (Regular CrossFit, Ø4.1 and 4.8), each requiring its own abutments and scanbodies.
BLX features the TorcFit connection — a 7° conical interface with an integrated hex index. The major advantage: all BLX diameters share a single prosthetic platform, simplifying abutment inventory and library management. The seating depth and geometry differ from CrossFit, so components are not interchangeable.
Clinical indications
Bone Level BL/BLT remains the universal solution for delayed placement, classic two-stage protocols and cases with sufficient dense bone. BLT is preferred for fresh extraction sockets with intact buccal walls.
BLX is indicated for immediate post-extraction placement, compromised bone volume, sinus lift with simultaneous placement, and All-on-4/6 with immediate loading. Its tapered body and thread design generate high insertion torque (often 35–70 Ncm) even in D3–D4 bone.
Choosing the right exoplan library
For accurate digital planning in exoplan you must load the official Straumann libraries, separated by system: BL/BLT (CrossFit NC and RC) and BLX (TorcFit) as distinct packages. Mixing them is not acceptable — scanbody seating, implant axis and surgical kit references all differ.
When working with CEREC, exocad DentalCAD or 3Shape Implant Studio, ensure the library version matches your software release and the current Straumann CARES catalogue. Guided surgery for BLX requires the VeloDrill sleeves and keys, which differ from the original Guided Surgery kit for BL.
Scanbodies also differ: Mono Scanbody NC/RC for BL and dedicated TorcFit scanbodies for BLX. When exporting STL and aligning in exoplan, always select the preset that precisely matches the platform, otherwise the crown or temporary abutment will be misaligned.
Bottom line: BLX or Bone Level
If your practice focuses on immediate placement, complex cases and immediate loading protocols, BLX delivers more predictable outcomes. For classic delayed protocols and established workflows, Bone Level BL/BLT remains a reliable choice backed by a vast ecosystem of compatible components.
From a digital production standpoint, both systems are fully supported in exoplan, exocad and 3Shape — the key is to use original up-to-date libraries and never mix platforms.
If you need help installing exoplan, exocad, 3Shape or loading the latest Straumann BLX and Bone Level libraries of any version, contact us on Telegram or WhatsApp — we will set everything up for your workflow.