Prosthetic design considerations for anterior single-implant restorations

The anterior single-implant restoration provides a predictable solution for the partially edentulous patient. The two main approaches in prosthesis design for the single-implant restoration are the screw-retained and cement-retained restorations. Although both approaches have been proven to work from a standpoint of long-term implant stability, other considerations arise when esthetic outcome and ease of fabrication and delivery are discussed. To guarantee a predictable outcome, the dentist should choose a design that offers maximum prosthetic versatility. Combining prosthetic versatility with ease of delivery is often a clinical and laboratory challenge. Prostheses designs that provide the freedom to select a wide variety of restorative materials may be cumbersome to deliver and maintain and vice versa. This article reviews the advantages and shortcomings of each design and provides an alternative prosthesis design that combines the favorable aspects of these two restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Screw-retained and cement-retained prostheses are the common designs for single-implant restorations and possess clinical advantages and shortcomings. An alternative and affordable design, that is mainly beneficial when standard stock implants components are used, is presented. It enables the clinician to achieve optimal esthetics in the esthetic zone combined with a simple and time-efficient delivery.