Category

Implant Prosthesis

These prostheses simulate a typical ceramic-metal bridge made for natural teeth in the sense that a substructure is fabricated to provide both the attachment to underlying implants as well as an ideal porcelain thickness for long-term durability. A full-contour wax-up of the framework is done. It is then cut back to create the ideal veneering ceramic thickness and then it is scanned. The scanned image is employed in a CAM process to create a metal framework from a ceramic-compatible alloy. In some situations, the wax-up may be cast in a ceramic-metal alloy but full-arch precision of fit is more difficult to obtain than with a CAM substructure.

A metal-ceramic prosthesis shows very good esthetics, as ceramic is more life-like than acrylic resin. One disadvantage of a metal-ceramic prosthesis is that ceramic chipping or fracture may occur and may be difficult to repair. The opposing occlusion should be invariably and scrupulously considered, especially if a parafunctional habit is suspected. If indicated, consider prescribing an occlusal guard for adjunctive protection of the applied dental materials.