Material selection in fixed implant rehabilitations: evidence-based or educated guess?

The fixed rehabilitation of fully edentulous implant patients is a demanding task. In particular, the selection of restorative materials can be confusing for clinicians given the number of new and previously existing options available.  Since technology often outpaces research, making an evidence-based choice may not always be possible. However, clinicians are forced to make a decision with the aim of providing predictable, long-lasting outcomes for their patients. This presentation will focus on the material selection for fixed full-arch implant rehabilitations. Advantages and disadvantages of various restorative options and novel materials will be discussed, and areas where scientific evidence is lacking will be highlighted. Information to support an educated guess will also be presented, in order to provide clinicians with tools that will facilitate material selection for these challenging clinical cases.

Learning objectives:

• Identify factors to consider in the material selection for full-arch fixed implant restorations
• Describe advantages, disadvantages, and common challenges of various material types
• Identify information that will help support an educated guess to select certain restorative materials