Macro-retentive replaceable veneers on crowns and fixed dental prostheses: a new approach in implant-prosthodontics

Implant-supported prosthetic restorations with veneered crowns and fixed dental prostheses are a proven, scientifically accepted treatment concept in fixed prosthodontics. However, in this area of indication there is a comparatively high technical complication rate, which occurs mainly in the area of the superstructure in the form of minor or major chipping of the veneering material. Various studies have shown that purely implant-supported restorations are subjected to higher loading than those on natural abutment teeth due to the special biomechanical conditions. A possible approach to prevent technical complications is to create higher stability for the implant superstructure through the use of high-strength materials. This would, however, result in undiminished overloading being transmitted to the implant components and could cause increased technical and biological complications. This article describes a new procedure for the use of replaceable veneers made from high-performance polymer material on modified implant abutments. By storing digital datasets for the veneer section, it can be replaced easily and quickly if it becomes worn or is fractured. A reduction in the stresses for the implant components and biological structures under the polymer is also to be expected due the material properties of polymers.