Articles

Screw-retained dental implants are suitable for single and multiple-implant restorations. The screw-access holes are discreetly located and are designed to provide minimal disturbance to occlusion.

Characteristics include:

• Easily retrievable as screw retained implants can be removed without damaging the restoration
• Removable for regular maintenance and hygiene
• Predictable retention
• Gingival response may be improved when no cement is necessary
• Immediate loading, when indicated
• Provides rigid splinting when using multiple implants, enhancing implant stability

Cementable custom-made titanium abutments are designed for excellent esthetics and stability, providing a precision fit into the sulcus.

Characteristics include:

• High strength.
• Margins that are gingival or subgingival, enhancing retention.
• Improved emergence profile.
• Soft tissues are properly supported.
• A passive fit is more easily achievable.
• Divergent angulation of implants is more easily corrected.
• Cement margin will closely follow patient’s anatomy.
• Risk of cement retention is minimized.

CAD/CAM designed and milled, all-zirconia, screw-retained bridges are stronger than other ceramic bridges. Approximately 12mm prosthetic height is required from the implant platform to the occlusal table.

Characteristics include:

• Excellent esthetics as zirconia can be stained or layered as required.
• Bridge can be retrieved for inspection, repairs or cleaning.
• Implants can be rigidly splinted due to the high modulus of elasticity of zirconia.
• Milling the bridge eliminates distortions and casting errors, creating a precision-fitting prosthesis. The hygienic nature of zirconia can help to support dental implant health, reducing plaque retention.

Titanium hybrid dentures combine zirconia teeth with a CAD/CAM titanium bar. A titanium bar can last for life or may be repair with laser welding.

Characteristics include:

• Improved wear resistance with a reduced chance of teeth shearing.
• Titanium is less rigid than zirconia, allowing for flexure in the mandible.
• No need for additional angle correction as teeth can be cemented over the screw channel once the titanium frame is seated.
• Less occlusal space is needed.
• A single tooth that wears or chips can more easily be replaced, protecting the patient’s investment.

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