Enhancing the Esthetics of a Maxillary Central Implant Crown with a Hybrid-Abutment: A Case Report

Reducing the fabrication time and costs involved in classical methods of implant crown production are goals being constantly pursued. Consequently, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technologies have evolved considerably, offering improved and predictable outcomes in terms of esthetics and function. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate how hybrid-abutments can provide optimum esthetics and biomechanical foundations. A 57-year-old woman had a non-restorable tooth #8, which was indicated for extraction and immediate implant placement. Lithium disilicate (LD) crowns were used to restore the adjacent teeth #7, 9, and 10. A zirconia abutment was used to block the gray color of the titanium base. The zirconia abutment finish line was designed to be placed 1-mm apical to the free marginal gingiva of the adjacent tooth, and an LD implant crown was cemented on the hybrid-abutment. The technique demonstrated promising results, and after more than 18 months of follow-up following the implant placement, the surrounding soft tissue was well adapted around the implant crown. The hybrid-abutment enhanced the esthetics of the definitive restoration as well as saved time and cost by elimination of the casting step.