FORGE is a new innovative way to create custom abutments and healers using a free web-based software developed by Vulcan Custom Dental. With a stone model and a few quick measurements, any customer can generate a customized abutment for Vulcan to manufacture. This tool allows lab customers to try a digital workflow before purchasing scanners or abutment design software. Begin your journey into digital dentistry with FORGE.
In order to take measurements, we recommend accurate calipers and the FORGE Measuring Tool.
Purchase FORGE Measuring Tool at the Vulcan Store ›
Calipers not included
Designed and manufactured by Vulcan specifically for use with FORGE, this set of measuring tools allows you take various angulation measurements of your model. The set includes platform posts for all BioHorizons platform sizes (3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.5mm, 5.7mm).
We recommend using FORGE on a desktop, laptop, or tablet. We do not recommend using FORGE on a mobile device.
If you can see and interact with the 3D model below, then your system is capable of running FORGE.
If you cannot see or cannot interact with the 3D model, please check that your system meets the minimum requirements below.
FORGE will run on most modern desktop browsers including Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. It is recommended to update to the latest version of your browser before using FORGE.
| Browser | Minimum Version |
|---|---|
| Mozilla Firefox | 54 (released Jun. 2017) |
| Google Chrome | 58 (released Apr. 2017) |
| Apple Safari | 10 (released Sept. 2016) |
| Microsoft Edge | 15 (released Apr. 2017) |
| Microsoft Edge (Chromium) | 79 (released Jan. 2020) |
Table: FORGE browser compatibility
FORGE will run on most operating systems that support the browsers above, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and iPadOS.
FORGE requires that your system support 3D hardware acceleration within your browser. Please check with the developer of your browser to see if your system meets the minimum requirements for 3D hardware acceleration. This may require you to upgrade or install your graphics driver on systems that support this.
FORGE lets you view your abutment as you configure your order. If you cannot see the viewer, your browser window might be too small; or your computer does not support 3D hardware acceleration see Requirements.
FORGE 3D abutment viewer interface
Rotate the abutment with the primary click button on your mouse.
Zoom in and out using the scroll wheel.
FORGE also supports touchscreens. You can rotate the abutment by dragging with your finger. You can pinch with two fingers to zoom in and out as well.
The configuration toolbar at the top-left of the viewer contains controls that help configure the view, as well as access to the viewer settings.
Configuration toolbar
The settings panel contains various controls to configure the viewer.
Settings button
Settings panel
Camera Snapping controls whether the camera moves on each change made. When camera snapping is on (locked position) the camera will move to the position best suited for the change made to the abutment. When camera snapping is off (unlocked position) the camera will not move when changes are made to the abutment.
Measurement Duration controls how long measurement rulers stay on screen. If configured to "Until Next Selection", in most cases, the rulers will remain on screen until a new ruler is presented.
Toggling fullscreen will let the viewer span the entire width of your browser window.
Fullscreen toggle
The help drop-down panel provides basic instructions for navigating the abutment viewer, as well as access to this user guide and a link to provide us with feedback.
Help drop-down
The toolbar at the bottom of the viewer contains buttons that orient the view to a number of presets and also provides controls to toggle various helpers.
Bottom toolbar
The first bar has buttons to orient the abutment viewer to isometric, occlusal, platform, buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal.
The second bar provides toggles for orientation helpers and transparency and a hidden panel that contains toggles for extra helpers.
The orientation helpers visualize the orientation of the abutment relative to other teeth. For example, 'B' represents the buccal direction.
Titanium abutment with orientation helpers
By toggling the transparency you can view the abutment in a fully opaque or semi-transparent state.
Titanium abutment with transparency off and transparency on
Clicking the extra helpers button opens a panel that contains toggles for extra helpers including inner limit, outer limit, and screw channel.
hidden drop-up toggles
The outer limit helper shows the manufacturing limits for the restoration type you have selected. The manufacturing limit is depicted with a green cylinder. If red marks are visible outside the outer limit, the abutment has exceeded manufacturing limits and cannot be ordered.
Currently only titanium-based abutments have an outer limit helper.
Outer manufacturing limit of titanium abutment depicted by translucent green cylinder.
Red marks are visible if abutment exceeds manufacturing limits.
The inner limit helper lets you visualize the inner manufacturing limits for the restoration type you have selected.
Inner manufacturing limits of titanium and zirconia abutments
The screw channel helper lets you view the cut out for the screw channel. For titanium-based abutments, the screw channel is always vertical. For zirconia-based abutments, the screw channel can be angled.
Screw channel for titanium and zirconia abutments depicted by opaque blue cylinder
Select a restoration type for step-by-step instructions
Begin by entering a case reference number. This is a unique number generated by you. Just remember that the same number will be used for submitting the case through the Vulcan customer portal.
Choose the tooth number indicating the location of the implant. Only one position can be chosen per case.
Choose the implant manufacturer. Currently only authentic BioHorizons connections are available, but new implant systems will be added in the near future.
Choose the platform size. Ensure the platform size and color matches the implant analog in the model.
Choose titanium abutment. You can choose to add gold hue anodization if desired.
BioHorizons Laser-Lok surface is available for full titanium abutments. Laser-Lok has proven to achieve connective tissue attachment in healing sites, helping to maintain tissue position and prevent bone loss. Learn more ›
Determine the Timing Angle, if any, relative to buccal. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the hex timing component and angle component.
Example of visually measuring and inputting timing angle into FORGE
Dragging the slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
Select the desired subgingival shape. Straight. Concave. or Convex.
Measure the buccal margin height for the custom abutment using a caliper of your choice. Measure from the top of the analog to the desired position of the margin. A half to one millimeter subgingival is recommended. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial positions.
Continue by measuring the buccal width. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and measure from the side of the post to the point on the tissue where the desired emergence will end. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial widths.
Example of inputting mesial-distal margin measurements into FORGE
Example of inputting buccal-lingual margin measurements into FORGE
Measure the buccal-lingual top cap angulation, if any. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the angle component to take the measurement. Repeat the process for the mesial-distal angulation.
A straight-edge, such as a business card, may be used in conjunction with the measuring tool to help determine the angle.
Determine the desired shoulder width to allow for appropriate crown material thickness.
Determine the total height needed for the abutment by measuring from the top of the analog. Ensure that you leave adequate space for crown material thickness.
Example of inputting various topcap measurements into FORGE
Dragging an angle slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
When you have completed your measurements and recorded the values click finish. A report will be generated with the abutment measurements. Review the measurements to ensure that they are accurate. You can add any additional notes to the case by typing in the box at the bottom of the summary page. You can also print the summary page for your records. Once you have completed your notes and verified the measurements, click confirm.
Sample Confirmation Page
Next enter your name and click submit.
Once the case is submitted, the files are sent to Vulcan. However, the file will not be milled until a prescription is entered on the Vulcan Customer Portal.
Login to your account on the Vulcan Customer Portal. Click New Case to begin the prescription.
Under reference # type the same reference # that was used in the FORGE software. Next Click Add in the Lab Product section. Select BioH Ti Abutments.
Under product select the connection size. Then click OK.
Select tooth number according to the order. For design services, select MILL ONLY and indicate that the Designs/Scans were sent through Forge. There is no need to upload any files at this time. You can add comments into the notes section if you desire.
Finally, click to indicate that you agree to the terms and conditions and then click Submit Case.
Begin by entering a case reference number. This is a unique number generated by you. Just remember that the same number will be used for submitting the case through the Vulcan customer portal.
Choose the tooth number indicating the location of the implant. Only one position can be chosen per case.
Choose the implant manufacturer. Currently only authentic BioHorizons connections are available, but new implant systems will be added in the near future.
Choose the platform size. Ensure the platform size and color matches the implant analog in the model.
Choose Hybrid Zirconia. Select the VITA classical shade for the abutment.
Determine the Timing Angle, if any, relative to buccal. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the hex timing component and angle component.
Example of visually measuring and inputting timing angle into FORGE
Dragging the slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
Select the desired subgingival shape. Straight. Concave. or Convex.
Measure the buccal margin height for the custom abutment using a caliper of your choice. Measure from the top of the analog to the desired position of the margin. A half to one millimeter subgingival is recommended. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial positions.
Continue by measuring the buccal width. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and measure from the side of the post to the point on the tissue where the desired emergence will end. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial widths.
Example of inputting mesial-distal margin measurements into FORGE
Example of inputting buccal-lingual margin measurements into FORGE
The angled cutout of the hybrid base can be rotated with Hybrid Interface Position to allow for optimal zirconia thickness.
If desired, angle screw channel is available if Hybrid Zirconia is selected. This option requires the use of the BioHorizons Precision Angled Screw (PXPASV) and the associated driver.
Measure the buccal-lingual top cap angulation, if any. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the angle component to take the measurement. Repeat the process for the mesial-distal angulation.
A straight-edge, such as a business card, may be used in conjunction with the measuring tool to help determine the angle.
Determine the desired shoulder width to allow for appropriate crown material thickness.
Determine the total height needed for the abutment by measuring from the top of the analog. Ensure that you leave adequate space for crown material thickness.
Example of inputting various topcap measurements into FORGE
Dragging an angle slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
When you have completed your measurements and recorded the values click finish. A report will be generated with the abutment measurements. Review the measurements to ensure that they are accurate. You can add any additional notes to the case by typing in the box at the bottom of the summary page. You can also print the summary page for your records. Once you have completed your notes and verified the measurements, click confirm.
Sample Confirmation Page
Next enter your name and click submit.
Once the case is submitted, the files are sent to Vulcan. However, the file will not be milled until a prescription is entered on the Vulcan Customer Portal.
Login to your account on the Vulcan Customer Portal. Click New Case to begin the prescription.
Under reference # type the same reference # that was used in the FORGE software. Next Click Add in the Lab Product section. Select BioH Hybrid Restorations.
Under product select the connection size. Then click OK.
Select tooth number according to the order. For design services, select MILL ONLY and indicate that the Designs/Scans were sent through Forge. There is no need to upload any files at this time. Also select the correct shade and indicate that the material is Zirconia. You can add comments into the notes section if you desire.
Finally, click to indicate that you agree to the terms and conditions and then click Submit Case.
Begin by entering a case reference number. This is a unique number generated by you. Just remember that the same number will be used for submitting the case through the Vulcan customer portal.
Choose the tooth number indicating the location of the implant. Only one position can be chosen per case.
Choose the implant manufacturer. Currently only authentic BioHorizons connections are available, but new implant systems will be added in the near future.
Choose the platform size. Ensure the platform size and color matches the implant analog in the model.
Choose titanium healing abutment. You can choose to add gold hue anodization if desired.
BioHorizons Laser-Lok surface is available for titanium healing abutments. Laser-Lok has proven to achieve connective tissue attachment in healing sites, helping to maintain tissue position and prevent bone loss. Learn more ›
Determine the Timing Angle, if any, relative to buccal. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the hex timing component and angle component.
Example of visually measuring and inputting timing angle into FORGE
Dragging the slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
Select the desired subgingival shape. Straight. Concave. or Convex.
Measure the buccal margin height for the custom abutment using a caliper of your choice. Measure from the top of the analog to the desired position of the margin. A half to one millimeter subgingival is recommended. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial positions.
Continue by measuring the buccal width. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and measure from the side of the post to the point on the tissue where the desired emergence will end. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial widths.
Example of inputting mesial-distal margin measurements into FORGE
Example of inputting buccal-lingual margin measurements into FORGE
Determine the total height needed for the healing abutment by measuring from the top of the analog.
When you have completed your measurements and recorded the values click finish. A report will be generated with the abutment measurements. Review the measurements to ensure that they are accurate. You can add any additional notes to the case by typing in the box at the bottom of the summary page. You can also print the summary page for your records. Once you have completed your notes and verified the measurements, click confirm.
Sample Confirmation Page
Next enter your name and click submit.
Once the case is submitted, the files are sent to Vulcan. However, the file will not be milled until a prescription is entered on the Vulcan Customer Portal.
Login to your account on the Vulcan Customer Portal. Click New Case to begin the prescription.
Under reference # type the same reference # that was used in the FORGE software. Next Click Add in the Lab Product section. Select BioH Ti Abutments.
Under product select the connection size. Then click OK.
Select tooth number according to the order. For design services, select MILL ONLY and indicate that the Designs/Scans were sent through Forge. There is no need to upload any files at this time. You can add comments into the notes section if you desire.
Finally, click to indicate that you agree to the terms and conditions and then click Submit Case.
Begin by entering a case reference number. This is a unique number generated by you. Just remember that the same number will be used for submitting the case through the Vulcan customer portal.
Choose the tooth number indicating the location of the implant. Only one position can be chosen per case.
Choose the implant manufacturer. Currently only authentic BioHorizons connections are available, but new implant systems will be added in the near future.
Choose the platform size. Ensure the platform size and color matches the implant analog in the model.
Choose Temp Healing and select the VITA classical shade for the abutment. Note, not all shades are available on Temp Healing.
Determine the Timing Angle, if any, relative to buccal. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and then attach the hex timing component and angle component.
Example of visually measuring and inputting timing angle into FORGE
Dragging the slider adjusts the angle by increments of 5°. Alternatively, you may manually input an angle in increments of 1° into the text box.
Select the desired subgingival shape. Straight. Concave. or Convex.
Measure the buccal margin height for the custom abutment using a caliper of your choice. Measure from the top of the analog to the desired position of the margin. A half to one millimeter subgingival is recommended. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial positions.
Continue by measuring the buccal width. Insert the correct platform post for the analog and measure from the side of the post to the point on the tissue where the desired emergence will end. Repeat the process measuring for the lingual, distal, and mesial widths.
Example of inputting mesial-distal margin measurements into FORGE
Example of inputting buccal-lingual margin measurements into FORGE
Determine the total height needed for the healing abutment by measuring from the top of the analog.
When you have completed your measurements and recorded the values click finish. A report will be generated with the abutment measurements. Review the measurements to ensure that they are accurate. You can add any additional notes to the case by typing in the box at the bottom of the summary page. You can also print the summary page for your records. Once you have completed your notes and verified the measurements, click confirm.
Sample Confirmation Page
Next enter your name and click submit.
Once the case is submitted, the files are sent to Vulcan. However, the file will not be milled until a prescription is entered on the Vulcan Customer Portal.
Login to your account on the Vulcan Customer Portal. Click New Case to begin the prescription.
Under reference # type the same reference # that was used in the FORGE software. Next Click Add in the Lab Product section. Select BioH Hybrid Restorations.
Under product select the connection size. Then click OK.
Select tooth number according to the order. For design services, select MILL ONLY and indicate that the Designs/Scans were sent through Forge. There is no need to upload any files at this time. Also select the correct shade and indicate that the material is PMMA (Temp). You can add comments into the notes section if you desire.
Finally, click to indicate that you agree to the terms and conditions and then click Submit Case.
