Conical Connection with Internal Hexagon: The Dual Design of the IGEA Implant System

12-Degree Conical Connection with Internal Hexagon: The Heart of the IGEA System

The connection between implant and prosthetic component is the most critical element of an implant system. Mesa Italia designed a dual connection for the IGEA system that combines a 12-degree Morse taper and internal hexagon: an engineering solution that unites the advantages of both geometries.

Conical vs Internal Hexagon: Two Philosophies Compared

In modern implantology, connections fall into two major families:

Conical Connection (Morse Taper)

• Seal: excellent, thanks to the “cold welding” effect (self-locking through friction)
• Microgap: virtually eliminated
• Force distribution: along the entire conical surface
• Loosening: very low risk
• Limitation: no intrinsic positional reference for the prosthesis

Internal Hexagon Connection

• Positioning: precise reference at 6 positions for prosthetic orientation
• Rotational stability: excellent thanks to hexagonal geometry
• Prosthetic versatility: wide range of compatible components
• Limitation: seal depends on coupling precision

The IGEA Solution: The Best of Both

The IGEA system combines both connections in a single design:

12-degree internal taper + Internal hexagon

This dual architecture offers:

1. Hermetic Seal

The 12-degree taper creates a friction self-locking effect (“cold welding”) between implant and abutment. The 12-degree angle was chosen as the optimal compromise between retention force and ease of insertion. The result is a highly effective seal that prevents bacterial colonisation in the implant-abutment microgap.

2. Anti-Rotational Stability

The internal hexagon provides a precise positional reference at 6 positions (every 60 degrees), preventing rotation of the prosthetic component under load. This is essential for single restorations where aesthetic orientation precision is critical.

3. Uniform Force Distribution

Masticatory forces are distributed through two simultaneous mechanisms:

• The taper distributes axial and lateral forces along the entire contact surface
• The hexagon absorbs rotational forces

This dual distribution reduces stress on both the implant and surrounding bone.

4. Screw Loosening Prevention

Prosthetic screw loosening is one of the most common complications in implantology. The IGEA dual connection prevents it through:

• The self-locking taper effect that resists separation
• The M2 prosthetic screw that adds a third level of fixation
• The hexagon that prevents rotational micro-movements

Platforms and Prosthetic Versatility

The IGEA system offers two platforms with dual connection:

Both platforms share the same dual connection architecture, ensuring consistent biomechanical behaviour regardless of the chosen diameter.

Integrated Platform Switching

The IGEA system integrates the platform switching concept: the prosthetic connection diameter is smaller than the implant body diameter. This design:

• Moves the microgap away from peri-implant bone tissues
• Creates a “buffer zone” that safeguards soft tissues
• Contributes to crestal bone stability over time

Manufacturing and Quality

The dual connection of the IGEA system is manufactured entirely at the Travagliato (Brescia, Italy) facility using precision machining processes. Coupling tolerances are checked daily with precision optics, ensuring the repeatability of the conical seal and hexagonal mating.

Mesa Italia — 100% Made in Italy since 1975. IGEA System: patented dual connection for superior clinical performance.