Use of transparent polyvinylsiloxane to replicate gingival peri-implant soft tissue

The fabrication of an esthetic implant-supported restoration often necessitates consideration of the surrounding gingival architecture. Procedures for generating a definitive cast that accurately details the peri-implant soft tissue with a resilient material have been described. Currently used gingival replicating materials are usually pink and opaque, making it difficult or impossible for the dentist and laboratory technician to visually confirm complete seating of components subgingivally on laboratory analogs without altering the cast. This article describes a technique for fabricating a definitive cast using a transparent polyvinylsiloxane material to replicate the peri-implant gingiva. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;90: 410-2.).