Bicon vs Zimmer Biomet: Two American Premium Philosophies
Bicon and Zimmer Biomet represent two distinctly American approaches to premium implant design. While most premium implant companies are European, these two US-headquartered manufacturers prove that American innovation holds its own at the highest tier.
Bicon (Boston, Massachusetts) pioneered the short implant concept. Their Plateau and Fin designs feature 30% more surface area than conventional screw implants, enabling reliable results with implants as short as 5mm. The Integra-Ti surface and screwless locking taper connection are unique in the industry.
Zimmer Biomet (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) brought Trabecular Metal from orthopedics to dentistry — an 80% porous tantalum material that mimics cancellous bone architecture for extraordinary initial stability and bone ingrowth.
Both companies solve the same clinical challenge — implant placement in limited bone — through radically different engineering approaches. Bicon makes implants shorter; Zimmer Biomet makes them more bone-compatible.
Key Differences at a Glance
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | Bicon Dental Implants | Zimmer Biomet |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost per Implant | $2,000 | $1,800 |
| Clinical Success Rate | 97.5% | 98.0% |
| Tier | Premium | Premium |
| Origin | United States | USA |
| Material Type | Surgical-Grade Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) | Trabecular Metal™ (Tantalum) / Grade 4 Titanium |
| Surface Technology | Plateau / Fin design | MTX® |
| FDA Approval | FDA 510(k) Cleared — multiple SHORT® implant sizes from 5.0mm to 8.0mm length; full system clearance | FDA 510(k) Cleared — Including Trabecular Metal Technology |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Year Founded | 1985 | 1927 |
| Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts, USA | Warsaw, Indiana, USA |
Technology Comparison
Bicon Dental Implants Technology
Surface: Plateau / Fin design — 30%+ more surface area than screw implants; Integra-Ti™ surface
Material: Surgical-Grade Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)
Prosthetics: 360° Abutment positioning (no anti-rotation), Cement-retained, Screw-retained, Overdenture, SHORT® implants (5-8mm)
Zimmer Biomet Technology
Surface: MTX® — Microtextured titanium surface with HA coating option
Material: Trabecular Metal™ (Tantalum) / Grade 4 Titanium
Prosthetics: Cement-retained, Screw-retained, Overdenture, Encode® healing abutment
Who Is Each Brand Best For?
Bicon Dental Implants
Patients with limited bone height who want to avoid bone grafting, those seeking short implants to avoid the maxillary sinus or inferior alveolar nerve, clinicians who value the unique locking taper connection for zero-gap seal, and patients wanting a US-manufactured premium system with 40 years of proven history.
Zimmer Biomet
Patients needing posterior jaw implants with maximum stability, those with moderate bone loss who want to avoid bone grafting, and patients who value biomimetic technology that encourages natural bone ingrowth. Zimmer Biomet is particularly favored by oral surgeons for challenging posterior cases.
Our Verdict
Choose Bicon if you have limited vertical bone height and want to avoid bone grafting or sinus lifts, if the screwless locking taper connection appeals to your clinician, or if your case requires the shortest possible implant. Choose Zimmer Biomet for posterior cases with soft bone where Trabecular Metal provides stability, if you need a broader prosthetic library, or if your surgeon prefers the more conventional screw-retained design.