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Implant Prosthetics – Material Selection

Material development in implant prosthetics has evolved from gold-acrylic to advanced CAD/CAM-produced metals and ceramics. Choices are influenced by cost, strength, fit, biocompatibility, and aesthetics. Zirconia and cobalt-chrome are common options, but long-term studies are lacking.

Author: Lars Hjalmarsson • Dental Specialist • PhD • Department of Oral Prosthodontics/Dental Materials Science • Gothenburg
Reviewed by: Victoria Franke Stenport • Specialist in Oral Prosthodontics • Professor • Department of Oral Prosthodontics/Dental Materials Science • Gothenburg
8 min read
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    This article is based on an original article in Swedish which can be found here

    BACKGROUND

    Although early studies of modern screw-shaped implants carefully described the surgical and prosthetic treatment process, discussions regarding material selection for superstructures were extremely limited. Instead, the concepts that were applicable at the time for tooth-retained constructions were largely copied: gold-acrylic, various metal-ceramics, and eventually all-ceramics.

    Concurrently, manufacturing techniques were also developed; from casting to welding of prefabricated components, milling, spark erosion, laser or electron beam sintering, and combinations of these different techniques, often through various CAD/CAM procedures.

    MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT IN IMPLANT PROSTHETICS

    Material development has followed various paths over the years, often several simultaneously:

    • Costs
    • Strength
    • Fit
    • Biocompatibility
    • Aesthetics
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