The Use of CAD/CAM Cobalt-Chromium Framework to Optimize Subgingival Prosthetic Contours and Improve Esthetics:...

Although implant therapy in esthetically relevant areas is currently based on a prosthetically driven philosophy, anatomical and technical factors may impair ideal implant placement. In these scenarios, the clinician is frequently asked to solve the discrepancy between the implant emergence and the ideal coronal anatomy of the final restoration. This report describes how changes of the implant abutment-crown contour in specific locations may be intentionally promoted to determine improvements of the peri-implant soft tissues and overall esthetic integration. Cobalt-chromium alloys together with computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture technologies are critical factors in achieving this goal. Case reports for the mandibular anterior dentition demonstrated the ability to enhance biologic and esthetic results of malpositioned implants.