Occlusal considerations for full-arch implant-supported prostheses: A guideline

Full-arch implant prostheses of various types and materials have become a popular treatment modality for edentulous arches. Studies have found that the prevalence of prosthetic complication is higher than biological complication with these restorations. Occlusion may be one of the contributing factors for prosthetic complications in full-arch implant supported prostheses. However, available literature regarding the occlusal scheme of full-arch implant prostheses is often insufficient or unclear. Often the articles do not give details regarding the material type or the opposing dentition. The occlusal scheme should not only provide the patient with function and comfort, but also minimize the risk of various prosthetic complications. Metal-acrylic and all-ceramic are popular material options for full-arch implant supported prostheses. The proposed guideline will suggest occlusal considerations based on material type (metal-acrylic or all-ceramic) as well as the opposing dentition (natural or prosthetic dentition) in order to minimize prosthetic complications. Five possible scenarios are presented: 1) Metal-Acrylic vs. Metal-Acrylic 2) Metal-Acrylic vs. Natural Dentition 3) All-Ceramic (Zirconia) vs. All-Ceramic (Zirconia) 4) All-Ceramic (Zirconia) vs. Metal-Acrylic 5) All-Ceramic vs. Natural Dentition. The guidelines are based on compilation of available occlusal concepts from natural teeth and implant prosthetics.