The influence of implant location and length on stress distribution for three-unit implant-supported posterior cantilever fixed partial dentures

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The influence of implant location for an implant-supported cantilever fixed partial denture (FPD) on stress distribution in the bone has not been sufficiently assessed. PURPOSE: This study examined the influence of location and length of implants on stress distribution for 3-unit posterior FPDs in the posterior mandibular bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each 3-D finite element model included an FPD, mesial and distal implants, and supporting bone. The mesial implant with a length of 10 mm or 12 mm was placed in locations where its long axis was 3 mm to 11 mm posterior to the remaining first premolar. The distal implant with a length of 10 mm was fixed at the same distance from the premolar on each model. A buccally-oriented oblique occlusal force of 100 N was placed on each occlusal surface of the FPD. RESULTS: The maximum equivalent stresses were shown at the cervical region in the cortical bone adjacent to the mesial or the distal implants. Relatively high stresses of up to 73 MPa were shown adjacent to the mesial implant located 9 mm or more posterior to the first premolar. The use of a 12-mm-long mesial implant demonstrated a relatively weak influence on stress reduction. CONCLUSION: The implant location in the cantilever FPDs was a significant factor influencing the stress created in the bone.     

上部结构材料对无牙下颌种植固定修复影响的三维有限元分析

目的:通过三维有限元方法探讨上部结构材料对无牙下颌种植固定修复生物力学的影响,为无牙颌修复治疗提供参考。方法:构建无牙下颌种植固定修复三维有限元模型,用6种牙科材料（纯钛、钴铬合金、金合金、氧化锆、聚醚醚酮及碳纤维增强聚醚醚酮）分别对种植上部结构进行赋值,得到6种模型,模拟斜向加载,对种植体、周围骨组织及上部结构进行应...     

Treatment of open bite with microscrew implant anchorage.

Open bite treatment with microscrew implant anchorage is discussed in relation to vertical control of the posterior dentoalvelar dimension. Maxillary microscrew implants provided anchorage for intruding the posterior teeth and retracting the anterior teeth; mandibular microscrew implants were used to apply intrusion force distal to the mandibular first molars to prevent mesial tipping of the posterior teeth during space closure. Closing the mandibular plane after intruding the maxillary posterior teeth and bodily mesial movement of the mandibular posterior teeth contributed to facial profile improvement. The efficacy and potency of microscrew implants in open bite treatment are discussed.     

Effect of early exposure on the integration of dental implants in the baboon: Part 1--Clinical findings at uncovering

There has been increased discussion on the advantages of a one- versus a two-stage surgical approach in the placement of dental endosseous implants. This study evaluated the influence of early implant exposure on crestal bone height adjacent to the implant surface and Periotest values at uncovering in the baboon. Forty-eight implants (24 commercially pure titanium, 24 titanium alloy) were placed in maxillary and mandibular posterior sites in 6 baboons. Implant exposure was evaluated weekly for 3 weeks after implant placement. The level of bone adjacent to the dental implants was measured at placement from the top of the implant collar to the crest of the bone at the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces. The maxillary sites were measured again at a 6-month uncovering, while the mandibular sites were measured at a 3-month uncovering. Periotest readings were also recorded at uncovering. Early implant exposure was more common in the mandible, with the majority occurring by the second week postplacement. There were no significant differences in the crestal bone height changes at uncovering between the pure titanium and alloy implants in either arch. In the maxilla, the changes in crestal bone height were not statistically different between exposed and nonexposed implants at any aspect. In the mandible, the difference in 3-month changes between exposed and nonexposed implants was significant for the distal, buccal, and lingual aspects. The overall percentage of implants with a Periotest reading in the "good" category was greater for the nonexposed sites as compared to exposed sites. The results of this study suggest that the two-stage surgical approach results in a better clinical outcome as compared to the one-stage approach in the baboon model.     

纯钛等离子涂层圆柱状骨内种植体与周围骨界面的三维结构分析

目的:通过组织形态学的方法评价和分析纯钛等离子涂层圆柱状骨内种植体与周围骨界面的三维结构情况。方法:选择2只成年雄性比格犬,拔除双侧下颌第二、第四前磨牙,自行愈合3个月,植入纯钛等离子涂层圆柱状种植体,共8枚。3个月后处死动物,取下包含种植体的下颌骨,固定后用自动磨片机切片、染色、拍照数字化后输入计算机构建三维结构模型并分析。 结果:种植体平均骨接触率(bone contact ratio,BCR)为(64.5±5.3)%,最高在舌侧和上部,最低在近远中和底部。平均骨体积率(bone volume ratio, BVR)为(68.9±4.4)%,最佳在舌侧150~225 μm带和上部,最差在近远中0~75 μm带和底部。 结论:纯钛等离子涂层圆柱状骨内种植体与周围骨界面的三维结构能清晰的构建出来,二者能形成良好的结合,特别是在皮质骨致密的舌侧和上部。     

动态载荷下种植体位置和直径对悬臂梁种植固定义齿应力影响的三维有限元研究

目的 应用三维有限元法分析动态加载下种植体植入位置和直径对悬臂梁种植固定义齿应力的影响。方法 建立左下颌第二前磨牙、第一磨牙、第二磨牙缺失种植固定义齿的三维有限元模型,远中种植体的位置和直径保持不变;近中种植体依次向远中移动形成中轴与第一前磨牙远中面距离D分别为5.5、8.0、10.5、13.0 mm的悬臂梁种植固定义齿,分别采用4.1和4.8 mm两种直径的种植体;以250 N 牙合力模拟咀嚼周期0.875 s的动态载荷加载于颊尖和舌尖上,应用有限元分析软件MSC.Marc和Partran分析种植体-骨组织界面的Von Mises应力情况。结果 随着近中种植体逐渐向远中移动,近远中种植体Von Mises应力均有不同程度增高,近中种植体中轴与第一前磨牙远中面距离D≤8.0 mm范围内种植体最大Von Mises应力增幅缓和,D>8.0 mm时应力急剧加大;近中种植体直径增大,则近远中种植体的应力减小;各加载阶段最大Von Mises应力均处于近远中种植体颈部与皮质骨交界处;斜向加载种植体应力显著大于垂直加载。结论 种植体植入位置是影响悬臂梁种植固定义齿应力的重要因素,悬臂梁长度不超过前磨牙宽度时行种植固定义齿设计是可行的,直径的选择要考虑骨量和悬臂梁长度双重因素。     

Vertical crestal bone changes around implants placed into fresh extraction sockets

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze bone healing and vertical bone remodeling for implants placed immediately after tooth removal without guided bone regeneration techniques. METHODS: Twenty patients received 20 implants immediately after the removal of 20 teeth. All implants were placed within the undamaged alveoli confines, and the cervical portion of each implant was positioned at coronal bone level. The distance from implant shoulder and bone crest was measured for each implant at four sites (mesial, buccal, distal, and palatal/lingual). No membranes or filling materials were used. Primary flap closure was performed in all clinical cases. RESULTS: All peri-implant bone defects had healed completely 6 months after implant placement. The pattern of bone healing around the neck of the implants showed an absence of peri-implant defects. The vertical distance between the implant shoulder and bone crest ranged from 0 to 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The bone remodeling of implants placed in fresh extraction sockets showed a healing pattern with new bone apposition around the implant's neck and horizontal and vertical bone reabsorption. The vertical bone reabsorption, which has been observed at buccal sites, was not associated with any negative esthetic implications.     

Peri-implant bone tissue strains in cases of dehiscence: a finite element study

When patients with a narrow alveolar bone ridge are treated with oral implants, a dehiscence can occur. The lack of bony support at the buccal or lingual side of the implant may present an unfavourable situation from a biomechanical point of view. The hypothesis as to whether the presence of dehiscence leads to an increased risk of marginal bone overload was tested by means of the finite element method. Three different situations for a cylindrical oral implant, which was placed in a mandible, were modelled: i) no dehiscence, ii) a dehiscence at the buccal side and iii) dehiscences at the buccal and lingual sides. It was found that the presence of buccal and/or lingual dehiscences led to a marked increase in marginal bone strains at the mesial and distal sides of the implant, thus increasing the risk of bone tissue overload at these locations. Marginal bone strains at the buccal and/or lingual sides, however, did not increase.     

Short dental implants: a literature review and rationale for use

Implant prostheses are often used to restore partially or completely edentulous patients. The posterior regions of the mouth often have less available bone height than the anterior regions. The bone density of the remaining bone after tooth loss is often less in the posterior regions than the anterior region of the mouth. A review of the literature reveals implants shorter than 10 mm often have a higher failure rate than longer implants. These complications may be related to an increase in crown height, higher bite forces in the posterior regions, and less bone density. As a result, biomechanical methods to decrease stresses to the implant-bone interface are warranted. The forces to the implants may be reduced by eliminating lateral contacts in mandibular excursions and eliminating cantilevers on the prosthesis. The area of forces applied to the prosthesis may be increased by increasing the implant number, increasing the implant diameter, increasing the implant design surface area, and splinting the implants together. As a result of these biomechanical methods to decrease stress, Misch, et al reported a 99% implant survival with 7-mm and 9-mm implants in the posterior regions of the jaws. It is interesting to note that the natural teeth follow a similar biomechanical approach to accommodate the higher bite forces in the posterior regions of the mouth. The molar teeth do not become longer than the anterior teeth. The diameter is increased, the design of the roots is different, and the roots are splinted together. The anterior teeth have incisal guidance and eliminate posterior lateral forces to the posterior teeth in all mandibular excursions. A similar biomechanical approach is logical for posterior implants, especially when shorter implants are used to support the prosthesis.     

Ridge alterations following implant placement in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the dog

OBJECTIVE: To study dimensional alterations of the alveolar ridge that occurred following implant placement in fresh extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five beagle dogs were included in the study. In both quadrants of the mandible, incisions were made in the crevice region of the third and fourth pre-molars. Buccal and minute lingual full-thickness flaps were elevated. The mesial root of the four pre-molars root was filled and the teeth were hemi-sected. Following flap elevation in (3)P(3) and (4)P(4) regions, the distal roots were removed. In the right jaw quadrants, implants with a sand blasted and acid etched (SLA) surface were placed in the fresh extraction sockets, while in the left jaws the corresponding sockets were left for spontaneous healing. The mesial roots were retained as surgical control teeth. After 3 months, the animals were examined clinically, sacrificed and tissue blocks containing the implant sites, the adjacent tooth sites (mesial root) and the edentulous socket sites were dissected, prepared for ground sectioning and examined in the microscope. RESULTS: At implant sites, the level of bone-to-implant contact (BC) was located 2.6+/-0.4 mm (buccal aspect) and 0.2+/-0.5 mm (lingual aspect) apical of the SLA level. At the edentulous sites, the mean vertical distance (V) between the marginal termination of the buccal and lingual bone walls was 2.2+/-0.9 mm. At the surgically treated tooth sites, the mean amount of attachment loss was 0.5+/-0.5 mm (buccal) and 0.2+/-0.3 mm (lingual). CONCLUSIONS: Marked dimensional alterations had occurred in the edentulous ridge after 3 months of healing following the extraction of the distal root of mandibular pre-molars. The placement of an implant in the fresh extraction site obviously failed to prevent the re-modelling that occurred in the walls of the socket. The resulting height of the buccal and lingual walls at 3 months was similar at implants and edentulous sites and vertical bone loss was more pronounced at the buccal than at the lingual aspect of the ridge. It is suggested that the resorption of the socket walls that occurs following tooth removal must be considered in conjunction with implant placement in fresh extraction sockets.     

Evaluation of the effect of the residual bone angulation on implant-supported fixed prosthesis in mandibular posterior edentulism. Part II: 3-D finite element stress analysis

Buccolingual angulation of the mandibular posterior edentulous region may affect the prosthetic load conditions, so as to cause high stress concentrated areas that may easily lead to failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various predetermined buccolingual angulation values on stress distribution in the mandibular posterior edentulous region restored with implant-supported fixed partial dentures, using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Stress analyses were performed applying 400N oblique force to implant-supported fixed prosthesis. Stress analyses indicated tensile stress values on the buccal surface and compressive stress values on the lingual surface of cortical bone were increased as the angulation of the edentulous bone increased (especially corresponding to the cervical region of the implants). Compressive stress values, observed where two implants were placed at the second premolar and second molar regions (5-7 design) and first and second molar regions (6-7 design), respectively, were very close to or even exceeded the ultimate compressive strength of bone. It is concluded that when a definite buccolingual angulation is added to other existing risk factors such as bruxism, placing an implant for every missing tooth might reduce the high stress concentration areas.     

Multiple single-tooth implant restorations in the posterior jaws: maintenance of marginal bone levels with reference to the implant-abutment microgap

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure marginal bone loss from the implant-abutment microgap to the bone crest between multiple freestanding implants functionally loaded for up to 7.5 years in the posterior jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients consecutively treated for the replacement of missing posterior teeth were included in the study. Using the implant-abutment interface, which was placed level with the crestal bone as a reference point, standardized follow-up radiographs were obtained to evaluate marginal bone loss. Results were subject to statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test at the 95% confidence level. Additionally, soft tissue and prosthetic complications were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three implants in 54 patients were evaluated. Implants were in function for a mean of 37 months (range, 21 to 91 months). One implant failed, for a survival rate of 99.4%. Overall mean marginal bone loss was 0.65 mm (range, 0.0 to 4.8 mm). For the 80 maxillary and 93 mandibular implants, mean marginal bone loss was 0.56 mm and 0.70 mm, respectively. The frequency of bone loss > or = 1.0 mm was 25.0% in the maxilla and 36.0% in the mandible; 23.1% of maxillary implants and 16.7% of mandibular implants demonstrated no bone loss. No significant differences were observed between men and women or between smokers and nonsmokers. The difference between mesial and distal bone levels was statistically significant (P < .001), with respective means of 0.53 mm and 0.76 mm. Recorded prosthetic complications included cementation failure (17.7%), porcelain fracture (7.2%), and abutment screw loosening (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple single-tooth implants placed in the posterior jaws perform extremely well. Furthermore, it is possible to retain bone close to the implant-abutment microgap with certain implant designs.     

舌侧矫治不同牵引位置内收上前牙的三维有限元分析

目的:分析当牵引钩位于不同位置时,个性化舌侧矫治器微种植体支抗滑动法内收上前牙时牙列中牙齿的位移情况。方法:在全牙列、牙周膜、牙槽骨、个性化舌侧矫治器的整体三维有限元模型上,分析当牵引钩分别位于尖牙近中与尖牙远中,微种植体支抗滑动法关闭间隙过程中前牙及后牙三维方向上的变化。结果:两组实验结果显示,当将牵引钩放置于尖牙远中时,前牙区矢状方向的回收更均匀,牙弓的缩窄出现在尖牙、第二前磨牙区域,但垂直向上的“拱形效应”更明显。结论:利用个性化舌侧矫治器滑动法回收间隙时,宜将牵引钩放置于尖牙远中,尖牙、第二前磨牙区域牙弓的缩窄有效抵抗了水平向“拱形效应”。对于垂直向上明显的"拱形效应",应当配合在弓丝上打10°的摇椅抵抗负效应。     

Marginal bone loss adjacent to conventional and immediate loaded two implants supporting a ball-retained mandibular overdenture: a 3-year randomized clinical trial

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare marginal bone loss and clinical outcomes of conventionally and immediately loaded two implants supporting a ball‐retained mandibular overdenture. Materials and methods: Thirty six completely edentulous patients (22 males and 14 females) were randomly assigned into two groups. Each patient received two implants in the canine area of the mandible after a minimal flap reflection. Implants were loaded by mandibular overdentures either 3 months (conventional loading group) or the same day (immediate loading group) after implant placement. Ball attachments were used to retain all overdentures to the implants. Vertical and horizontal alveolar bone losses were evaluated in both groups 1 and 3 years after implant placement using multislice computed tomography, which allow evaluation of peri‐implant buccal and lingual alveolar bone. Plaque scores, gingival scores, probing depths and periotest values (PTVs) were evaluated at 4 months (baseline), 1 and 3 years after implant placement. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at distal, labial, mesial and lingual peri‐implant sites. Results: After 3 years of follow‐up period, the immediate loading group recorded significant vertical bone loss at distal and labial sites than the conventional loading group and no significant differences in horizontal bone loss between groups were observed. Probing depth at distal and labial sites in the immediate loading group were higher than the conventional loading group, while plaque scores, gingival scores and PTVs showed no significant differences between the two groups. A low level of positive correlation between plaque scores, gingival scores, probing depths and vertical bone loss was noted. Conclusion: Immediately loaded two implants supporting a ball‐retained mandibular overdenture are associated with more marginal bone resorption and increased probing depths when compared with conventionally loaded implants after 3 years. The bone resorption and probing depths at distal and labial sites are significantly higher than those at mesial and lingual sites. Clinical outcomes do not differ significantly between loading protocols. To cite this article :
Elsyad MA, Al‐Mahdy YF, Fouad MM. Marginal bone loss adjacent to conventional and immediate loaded two implants supporting a ball‐retained mandibular overdenture: a 3‐year randomized clinical trial.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23 , 23, 2012 496‐503.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02173.x     

Biomechanical effects of double or wide implants for single molar replacement in the posterior mandibular region

Double implants have been thought to have biomechanical advantages for single molar replacement. To evaluate the effectiveness of double implants versus a wide implant, the vertical forces and torque on each implant were calculated by three-dimensional geometric analysis. Buccal load (100N) perpendicular to cuspal inclination (20 degrees) was applied at the occlusal surface of the superstructure. The three kinds of load points (A, B, C) were 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 mm from the mesial contact point, respectively. Three implants were compared: mesial and distal double implants (phi 3.3 mm), and a wide implant (phi 5 mm). The wide implant showed torque around the long axis (1.8-15.0 N x cm) whereas double implants had no torque. On the other hand, the vertical forces on the mesial double implant were both smaller (60%: loaded at point C) and larger (140%: loaded at point A) than the wide implant. Given the smaller surface area of the mesial double implant, this large force may generate much higher stress in the peri-implant bone. These results suggest that the biomechanical advantage of double implants for single molar replacement is questionable when the occlusal force is loaded at the occlusal surface near the contact point.     

A clinical and histological evaluation of titanium mini-implants as anchors for orthodontic intrusion in the beagle dog.

The aim of this study was to determine the anchorage potential of the titanium mini-implant for orthodontic intrusion of the mandibular posterior teeth. Six mini-implants were surgically placed around the mandibular third premolars on each side in 3 adult male beagle dogs. On the buccal site, three mini-implants were placed distal to the apex of the distal root of the third premolar, at the interradicular septa of the third premolar, and mesial to the apex of the mesial root of the third premolar, as linearly as possible. The same procedure was performed at the lingual site on both sides of the mandibular third premolars in each dog. Bilateral interradicular mini-implants on both the buccal and the lingual sites were used as the anchorage for the intrusion of the third premolars (loaded implants) and the other mini-implants were used as control (unloaded) implants. In 6 weeks, an intrusive force (150 g) was applied between the interradicular implants on the buccal and the lingual sites by closed coil springs run across the crowns of the third premolars. After 12 to 18 weeks of orthodontic intrusion, the animals were killed and their mandibles were dissected and prepared for histologic and fluorescent observation. The results indicated that the mandibular third premolars intruded 4.5 mm, on average, after 12 to 18 weeks of orthodontic force application, with mild root resorption at the furcation area as well as the root apex. All the mini-implants remained stable during orthodontic tooth movement without any mobility or displacement. The morphometrical findings indicated that the calcification of the peri-implant bone on the loaded implants was equal to or slightly greater than those of the controls. In addition, 6 of the 36 mini-implants were removed after tooth movement, and all of them were easily removed with a screwdriver. These findings suggest that mini-implants are effective tools for the anchorage of orthodontic intrusion in beagle dogs.     

Ridge alterations following immediate implant placement and the treatment of bone defects with Bio-Oss in an animal model

Background: Conflicting data exist on the outcome of placing Bio‐Oss® (Geitslich Pharm AG, Wolhausen, Switzerland) into extraction sockets. It is therefore relevant to study whether the incorporation of Bio‐Oss into extraction sockets would influence bone healing outcome at the extraction sites. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess peri‐implant bone changes when implants were placed in fresh extraction sockets and the remaining defects were filled with Bio‐Oss particles in a canine mandible model. Materials and Methods: Six mongrel dogs were used in the study. In one jaw quadrant of each animal, the fourth mandibular premolars were extracted with an elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap; implants were then placed in the fresh extraction sockets and the remaining defects were filled with Bio‐Oss particles. After 4 months of healing, micro‐computed tomography at the implant sites was performed. Osseointegration was calculated as the percent of implant surface in contact with bone. Additionally, bone height was measured in the peri‐implant bone. Results: Average osseointegration was 28.5% (ranged between 14.8 and 34.2%). The mean crestal bone loss was 4.7 ± 2.1 mm on the buccal aspect, 0.4 ± 0.5 mm on the mesial aspect, 0.4 ± 0.3 mm on the distal aspect, and 0.3 ± 0.4 mm on the lingual aspect. Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrated that the placement of implants and Bio‐Oss® particles into fresh extraction sockets resulted in significant buccal bone loss with low osseointegration.     

The influence of early loading on bony crest height and stability: a pilot study

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective pilot study was to investigate differences in changes in implant stability and crestal bone height between loaded and unloaded dental implants at 4 months after placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the test group, 20 implants were placed in the anterior region of the mandible in 10 patients. They were connected with a Dolder bar within 10 days and placed into function immediately. In the control group, 21 implants were placed in the anterior region of the mandible in a 2-stage procedure in 12 patients. The implants used were TiUnite, with a diameter of 3.75 mm and a minimum length of 10 mm. Resonance frequency analysis was used to measure differences in implant stability, with the implant stability quotient (ISQ) as the unit of measure. An instrument was developed to measure the bone level directly. On a customized abutment, a probe with a stopper measured the distance between the shoulder of the instrument and the bone. Measurements were made on all 4 sides of each implant. Intra- and interexaminer variability showed an agreement that was greater than 99% (kappa > 0.99) for both sets of measurements. RESULTS: In the early loading group, the mean change in ISQ was -0.08 +/- 0.77 and the mean bone loss from buccal, mesial, distal, and lingual sites was 0.69 +/- 0.15 mm. In the unloaded group, the mean change in ISQ was 1.33 +/- 1.65 and the mean bone loss from buccal, mesial, distal, and lingual sites was 0.53 +/- 0.18 mm. There was no statistically significant difference across the 2 treatment groups. The changes in bone height at buccal and lingual sites were not statistically different from the changes at mesial and distal sites. When gender was included as a factor, the changes in stability and bone loss were statistically smaller among female patients than among male patients. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, early loading did not show an influence on bony crest height and stability in TiUnite implants placed in the anterior mandible during the first 4 months of service.     

Impact of Platform Switching on Peri‐Implant Bone Remodeling around Short Implants in the Posterior Region, 1‐Year Results from a Split‐Mouth Clinical Trial

Aim: To assess the effect of platform switching on peri‐implant bone remodeling around short implants (8.5 mm) placed in the resorbed posterior mandibular and maxillary region of partially edentulous patients. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with one or more missing teeth at both sides in the posterior region were, according to a split‐mouth design, randomly assigned to be treated with a platform‐matched (control) implant on the one side and a platform‐switched implant (test) on the other side. A total of 62 short implants (8.5 mm) with a dual‐acid etched surface with nanometer‐sized calcium phosphate particles was placed. Follow‐up visits were conducted one month and one year after placing the implant crown. Outcome measures were interproximal bone level changes, implant survival and clinical parameters. Results: One year after loading, peri‐implant bone remodeling around test implants (0.53 ± 0.54 mm) was significant less than around control implants (0.85 ± 0.65 mm; p = .003). With regard to implant survival and clinical parameters no significant differences were observed between test and control implants. Conclusions: This study suggested that peri‐implant bone remodeling is affected by platform switching. One year after loading, interproximal bone levels were better maintained at implants restored according to the platform switching concept.     

Use of cephalometric analysis for implant placement in a patient with an edentulous maxilla with a severe Class III intermaxillary relationship

A patient with a totally edentulous maxilla and a seVere Class III intermaxillary relationship in the anterior region was treated by implants. In the mandible, there were 10 teeth between the second premolars. The inclination and width of the maxillary anterior residual bone were measured on cephalometric X-ray film obtained before treatment. The results of cephalometric analysis did not support clockwise rotation of the mandible or lingual angling of the maxillary anterior teeth by use of prosthesis to improve the Class III relationship. Ten implants were simultaneously placed in the maxilla. Then, a maxillary temporary full bridge was seated after reduction of the crown lengths of the mandibular anterior teeth. An apically positioned flap operation was performed to eliminate periodontal pockets and to obtain clinically suitable crown lengths of the mandibular anterior teeth. A noncemented, screw-retained maxillary full bridge and a conventional mandibular full bridge were placed. Postoperative cephalometric analysis showed that the outcome was clinically acceptable. The patient has been satisfied for more than 5 years since placement of the implant prostheses.