In implant prosthodontics, technique and material selection directly influence clinical outcomes and long-term success. Along with the increasing use of dental implants, a plethora of new materials, especially ceramics, is entering the market to enhance aesthetic results, functional longevity, and precision in a digital workflow. Selecting the proper materials and techniques based on patients’ individual needs has become increasingly challenging, especially for implant-supported restorations because greater aesthetics is often associated with poorer physical properties. An understanding of fundamental physical and optical properties as well as the biological integration of modern ceramic materials in the oral cavity is key for success and offers new treatment options and possibilities to serve our patients in the best possible manner. Based on the current scientific evidence, this presentation will provide guidelines for material selection and new technologies for ultimate clinical success in aesthetic implant therapy.
Learning Objectives:
- To learn to differentiate indications for ceramic, hybrid, and polymer materials in implant dentistry
- To learn about key factors for aesthetic and functional success with implant-supported restorations
- To understand physical, optical, and biological properties of CAD/CAM materials
- To be able to apply the presented information on material properties to select implant components and prosthetic materials properly