An esthetic approach to anterior segments: crown restorations following a subepithelial connective tissue graft...

Achieving good esthetics while maintaining healthy surrounding tissues in fixed partial dentures (FPDs) is difficult, especially in the maxillary anterior region. Any unfavorable relationship between the residual ridge, pontic, and gingival papilla often compromises the final result. Alternative procedures can be developed to improve these relationships and provide esthetic and functionally acceptable FPDs. Using soft tissue grafts to correct an esthetic deficiency may be a feasible approach for establishing new and stable gingival and papilla contours. Altering the shape of a residual ridge by gradual hydropressure is another promising technique to improve tissue contour.