Restoring Single Unit Crowns on Implants: What Material Should I Use?
Dr. H. asks:
I have to restore a full maxillary arch of single unit crowns on implants and natural teeth – 14 single units. I want to use the same material for all the crowns. What should I use? Can I use Empress for all the single crowns? Will I need to use a ceramic implant abutment if I use an all-ceramic crown material? The patient has very high expectations and I do not think she will accept the lesser aesthetics of a porcelain fused to metal crown – especially on her incisors. What material should I use? Or will I have to use different materials. I am concerned about placing an all-ceramic crown on a second molar.
5 Comments on Restoring Single Unit Crowns on Implants: What Material Should I Use?
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elie
1/2/2009
Dear Dr H.
The ideal material for this case of full maxillary reconstruction arch of single unit crowns on implants and natural teeth – 14 single units, is Ivoclar/vivadent "emax ceram" for the anteriors and "emax zir" for the posteriors.
You can use a normal titanium implant abutment, the emax core white opaque will mask it.
Hope it helps
Dr Elie Victor Warde DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry
Charles Schlesinger, DDS
1/2/2009
I have had cases like this and have restored with Lava restorations. As stated already, the opaque core will mask a titanium abutment.
dr. kimsey
1/2/2009
Be sure you really want to not splint any of your implants before you finish this case.
Consider why she lost teeth
Are there parafunctional issues?
Are you sure that each and ever implant has enough surface area and an adequate crown to implant ratio to withstand her occusal forces for years?
Dr David Harpaz
1/8/2009
Lava zirconia will is great choice, however, you can also consider PFG. The esthetics is not an issue if it was done by the right lab. Just because the core is LAVA it does not make the final result better looking. A metal coping always have an opeque layer whice blockes out the metal implant abutment. It is all up to the lab that you are using regardless of the type of crown.
good luck
Rick
1/13/2009
you have a wide variety of materials that can be used but it comes down to the skill of the techncian to bring out the beaut of the material. Many would suggest at least doing a zirconia abutment with a zirconia core. Talk with your lab and get their suggestions for the best results for this case
