Abstract

The anterior maxillary jaw is frequently called the “esthetic zone” because of its high visibility and influence on facial appearance. Implant placement and single-tooth restoration in this region can present some esthetic challenges for the clinician. The underlying titanium abutment, for example, can diminish porcelain translucency and result in a darkened prosthesis. Subsequent changes in soft-tissue margins can also result in the visibility of titanium at the gingival crevice. In recent years, all-ceramic restorations have gained popularity in response to increasing patient demands for improved esthetics. This article describes the clinical use of a new, tooth-shaped, ceramic coping system in the restoration of single teeth in the esthetic zones of 3 patients. Four tapered screw implants were placed in the locations of the central incisors (n = 3) and bicuspid (n = 1). Conventional ceramic protocols were used to fabricate all-ceramic crowns that were cemented onto small core abutments attached to the implants. All prostheses restored the biomechanical needs of the patients and achieved excellent esthetic results.