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Technique to Obtain a Predictable Aesthetic Result through Appropriate Placement of the Prosthesis/Soft Tissue Junction in the Edentulous Patient with a Gingival Smile
Author(s) -
Demurashvili Georgy,
Davarpanah Keyvan,
SzmuklerMoncler Serge,
Davarpanah Mithridade,
Raux Didier,
CapelleOuadah Nedjoua,
Rajzbaum Philippe
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical implant dentistry and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.338
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1708-8208
pISSN - 1523-0899
DOI - 10.1111/cid.12192
Subject(s) - soft tissue , orthodontics , medicine , dentistry , maxilla , alveolar ridge , implant , anterior maxilla , silicone , prosthesis , surgery , materials science , composite material
Background Treating the edentulous patient with a gingival smile requires securing the prosthesis/soft tissue junction ( PSTJ ) under the upper lip. Purpose To present a simple method that helps achieve a predictable aesthetic result when alveoplasty of the anterior maxilla is needed to place implants apical to the presurgical position of the alveolar ridge. Materials and Methods The maximum smile line of the patient is recorded and carved on a thin silicone bite impression as a soft tissue landmark. During the three‐dimensional radiographic examination, the patient wears the silicone guide loaded with radiopaque markers. The NobelClinician® software is then used to bring the hard and soft tissue landmarks together in a single reading. Using the software, a line is drawn 5 mm apical to the smile line; it dictates the position of the crestal ridge to be reached following the alveoplasty. Subsequently, the simulated implant position and the simulated residual bone height following alveoplasty can be simultaneously evaluated on each transverse section. Results An alveoplasty of the anterior maxilla was performed as simulated on the software, and implants were placed accordingly. The PSTJ was always under the upper lip, even during maximum smile events. The aesthetic result was, therefore, fully satisfactory. Conclusion This simple method permits the placement of the PSTJ under the upper lip with a predictable outcome; it ensures a reliable aesthetic result for the edentulous patient with a gingival smile.