Abstract:

This lecture raises an important concern regarding the long-term esthetic and functional challenges of anterior implants, particularly in malocclusions which are present in every practice decicated to esthetic  and implant dentistry. Natural teeth continue to erupt and migrate over time, whereas implants remain static. If space opens between the implant and adjacent teeth, plaque accumulation increases, raising the risk of peri-implantitis. Patients must understand that an anterior implant is not a one-time solution; future interventions may be required. Over time, re-treatment such as soft tissue grafting, veneer or crown placement, or even orthodontics may be necessary. While we can’t entirely control adjacent tooth movement and vertical changes, meticulous proactive prosthetic planning or splinting adjacent teeth can be an effective strategies to reduce tooth migration and interproximal space openings around anterior implants as well as ongoing maintenance can help mitigate long-term esthetic and periodontal consequences.

Objectives:

• Anterior implant esthetics can be compromised over time due to changes in surrounding tissues.
• Adjacent tooth migration may lead to spacing, misalignments, and esthetic discrepancies.
• Splinting adjacent teeth near the implant can help minimize tooth migration and reduce the need for re-treatment.