An Introduction to the Implant Crown with an Esthetic Adhesive Margin (ICEAM)

Abstract

This article describes a novel technique with the addition of a pressed porcelain abutment margin capable of bonding to the porcelain margin of an implant crown restoration. This allows for supragingival margin placement, reduces the potential effect of excess cement-induced peri-implant disease, and provides a controlled environment for the bonding process. Another advantage is the matching esthetics of the crown and supporting abutment, which in the event gingival recession occurs, the restoration appears as a longer tooth without the risk of exposing an underlying abutment margin with different esthetic properties. The transition margin from an implant abutment to a crown is challenging to manage especially esthetically. Placing the abutment margin in a subgingival position helps hide the unesthetic transition, however, this reduces the ability to clean excess cement, increases the risk of peri-implant disease and the inability to control gingival sulcular fluids may affect the cement bond. The implant crown with an esthetic adhesive margin provides for supragingival bonded margins that can aid in complete removal of excess cement at the same time providing an esthetically pleasing result.