As the dental implant sector races ahead with fixed full-arch solutions, one company is making a deliberate move to ensure that removable overdenture innovation keeps pace. Preat Corporation, a well-established leader in implant prosthetic components, has introduced PreatLoc™, a new attachment system that bridges the gap between clinical performance, patient comfort, and affordability.
Unlike many product launches driven purely by technological upgrade, PreatLoc™ emerges from a practical need: not every patient is a candidate for a fixed restoration—whether for anatomical, medical, or financial reasons. With this system, Preat is reaffirming that removable overdentures still have a vital role in modern implant dentistry.
Combining compatibility with existing LOCATOR® systems, a tissue-friendly surface coating, and streamlined integration for dental labs and clinicians, PreatLoc™ reflects a thoughtful evolution of proven technology. After gaining traction in European markets, it’s now set to make its mark in the U.S.
In an exclusive interview with MedTech Spectrum, Ruben Arebalo, General Manager at Preat Corp, discusses the inspiration behind PreatLoc™, the importance of cross-compatibility, and how this innovation fits into the company’s broader vision for the future of implant restorative care.
The launch of PreatLoc™ marks a significant milestone for Preat Corporation. What inspired the development of this new attachment system, and how does it build upon existing overdenture technologies in the market?
While there’s tremendous industry momentum around fixed full-arch solutions, Preat recognized a continued need for innovation within removable overdenture therapy. Not every patient is a candidate for a fixed restoration—whether due to anatomy, health considerations, or financial constraints—and we believe all patients deserve confident smiles. The development of PreatLoc™ was inspired by that commitment.
PreatLoc™ builds on proven overdenture technologies by using trusted retention materials and offering compatibility with leading overdenture systems. The design also incorporates enhancements, such as a tissue-friendly surface coating, aesthetic anodizing on the denture cap, and other refinements. Together, these updates reflect our ongoing dedication to continuous innovation in overdenture treatment and to supporting the professionals and patients who rely on these solutions every day.
You’ve mentioned that PreatLoc™ is designed to offer a seamless transition for clinicians already using LOCATOR® attachments. How important was cross-compatibility in your product development strategy, and how does this benefit dental professionals in practice?
Cross-compatibility was a central priority in our development strategy because it directly impacts patients, clinicians, and technicians. For patients with existing dentures, it allows them to experience the retention of PreatLoc™ without the added cost or disruption of fabricating a new prosthesis. For clinicians and technicians, it preserves the workflow they already know—no new steps, no learning curve—making it easy to integrate PreatLoc™ into everyday practice.
With affordability and reliability being key themes, how does PreatLoc™ balance cost-effectiveness with clinical performance and long-term patient outcomes?
In our current economic climate, the economic needs of practices and patients must be considered alongside clinical needs. PreatLoc™ was developed to deliver long-lasting retention and a ZrN surface coating that supports long-term tissue health, all while keeping costs accessible. By focusing on proven materials, precision, and quality, we’re able to offer a premium solution without the premium price tag.
Ease of use and workflow integration are critical for busy dental labs and clinics. Could you elaborate on how PreatLoc™ simplifies chairside and laboratory procedures compared to existing systems?
Our goal with PreatLoc™ was to make the transition as seamless as possible for both chairside and laboratory procedures. Retention insert colors and forces match what clinicians and labs are already familiar with, with distinctive Preat markings for easy identification. The system is fully compatible across retention inserts, denture caps, and existing tooling, allowing users to maintain their established workflows. Additional features, like the tissue-friendly ZrN coating and anodized denture cap, were included to optimize patient outcomes while aligning with standard procedures.
As PreatLoc™ enters the U.S. market following its success in the European Union, what kind of feedback or insights from European practitioners influenced the final design and engineering of the system?
Feedback from European clinicians helped validate both the design and performance of PreatLoc™, confirming its effectiveness in everyday practice and giving Preat the confidence to introduce the system to the U.S. market.
Looking ahead, what are Preat’s broader goals in advancing restorative and implant prosthetic solutions, and how does the upcoming angled abutment line fit into your long-term innovation roadmap?
Preat is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of implant restorative care for each patient. The upcoming expansion of PreatLoc™— which includes angled abutments— will help clinicians address cases with greater divergence more effectively. This development is part of our ongoing roadmap for continued innovation in restorative solutions.
