Clinical application of platform switching implants in maxillary anterior region

To evaluate the application effect of the platform switching implants in maxillary anterior region, to explore the effect of platform switching technology on the surrounding tissues.

55 patients with 60 single maxillary anterior implants were divided into two groups: platform-switching implants group (Ankylos), 25 patients with 28 implants; butt-joint implants group (Nobel Replace), 30 patients with 32 implants. The patients received follow-up care more than 1 and 2 year after the final setting of the prosthesis, at which time periapical radiographs were taken. The marginal bone level around the implant and Pink Esthetic Score (PES) were measured for comparison.

The average marginal bone changes of platform-switching implants after 1 year and 2 year were (-0.41 ± 0.36) mm and (-0.55 ± 0.33) mm respectively; and the ones of butt-joint implants were (-1.77 ± 0.54) mm and (-1.82 ± 0.61) mm. The average PES of platform-switched implants after 1 year and 2 year were 10.43 ± 1.37 and 10.32 ± 1.21 respectively; the ones of butt-joint implants were 9.21 ± 0.97 and 9.16 ± 0.95. There were significantly differences of marginal bone changes and PES between both groups (P ＜ 0.05).

Platform switching implant in the maxillary aesthetics area is more effective in preserving the surrounding bone tissue and aesthetic effect.