Implant-prosthetic restorations – the challenge of creating an aesthetically pleasing smile in an edentulous patient

Rehabilitation of the edentulous jaw can be achieved with various treatment modalities. Removable implant-supported overdentures can provide a comfortable, aesthetic and functional option even in cases in which only a limited number of implants can be used. Since the number of patients desiring an alternative to complete dentures is on the rise, this treatment option is becoming a frequent choice. Patients’ expectations regarding prosthetic tooth replacements are similarly high compared with fixed ceramic veneered restorations. With the emergence of new materials and their combination with CAD/CAM technology, outstanding clinical outcomes can be achieved for this indication. An adequate solution can be found for almost every patient and budget. Generally, overdentures offer several advantages over conventional removable prostheses, including improved stability, functionality, comfort, confidence in the ability to interact socially, straight forward rehabilitation and easy maintenance for the patient. Quite simply, overdentures result in a significant improvement in the quality of life of the patient. In our case, a 58-year-old patient presented at the practice with discomfort caused by her complete maxillary denture. When looking at her history, we found a prosthetic restoration retained on six implants in the lower jaw and a complete maxillary denture that was aesthetically and functionally in adequate (Fig. 1). An initial aesthetic evaluation established that the shape and shade of the teeth were inappropriate. In addition, the midline was misaligned and the curvature of the maxillary anterior teeth was shaped incorrectly. C L I N I C A L