A new method to routinely achieve passive fit of ceramometal prostheses over Branemark osseointegrated implants: A two-year report

To maintain osseointegration, it is essential that the prosthesis fit with total passivity because the absence of a periodontal ligament makes the implant unable to adapt its position to a nonpassive framework. The traditional system of building a metal framework by melting over mechanized pieces - called gold cylinders in the Brånemark system - has been modified so these pieces are joined to the metal framework by means of physicochemical bonding. This bond is achieved by treating the metallic surfaces with a Silicoater system and a composite resin cement that sets in the mouth using an improved cementing protocol. In this paper, the clinical viability of this new philosophy, shown over 2 years, is presented. A total of 64 prostheses (39 maxillary and 25 mandibular) supported by 214 abutments, with an average observation period of 9 months, were evaluated. The results show that it is possible to routinely obtain a ceramometal prosthesis with a totally passive circular fitting while maintaining the possibility of retrieval, thus making postceramic soldering unnecessary.