Morse Taper Locking Connection / Cold Weld Seal
When two metal conical parts, each with walls at an angle of 5 degrees or less are fitted together there will be a wedging effect due to the friction between the 2 walls. (Morse tapered connection) Additionally, if the male part has an angle of approximately 0,25 degrees more than the female conical part, a seal will be formed at the top of the cone.
When this effect is applied to the implant/abutment connection the Morse locking taper provides several advantages:
- Strength:
The Morse locking taper connection shows the highest reliability(99% ) in comparison with internal hex (96% and external hex (31%)(Almeida and Coelho). - Elimination of the micro gap:
In a conventional system, held in place by the internal screw, the connection between the abutment and the implant is not a perfect fit, there is always a small space between the 2 parts. The Morse locking tapered connection is shown to leave a gap with is smaller than 1 micron, whereas the smallest bacterium measures approx. 1,5 microns. - Reduction of Micro movements/Reduction of screw loosening:
Screw loosening is the most common reason for prosthetic failure in single teeth reconstructions (12 and 20%) Morse taper locking connection absorbs vibration and functional stress(Merz) avoiding screw loosening (0,37%).