The Influence of Full-Arch Implant-Retained Fixed Dental Prostheses on Upper Lip Support and Lower Facial Esthetics: Preliminary Clinical Observations

Full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses are a well-documented therapeutic approach for completely edentulous patients that restores the biologic and functional aspects. In many cases, the esthetic needs of patients can be successfully addressed as well. This is achieved by restoring both the dental and facial esthetic components. However, in some instances full-arch implant-supported fixed dental prostheses may negatively influence the upper lip support and lower facial features of the patient. In this preliminary observation, 412 patients were examined to determine if certain factors were related to a specific minor alteration of the morphologic facial characteristics. The results show that soft tissue defects in the upper lip philtrum area may develop in patients treated with full-arch implantretained fixed dental prostheses and who share certain etiologic factors.