Implant-Supported Single Crowns Replacing Congenitally Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: A 5-Year Follow-Up

Background: Knowledge of the long-term survival of single implants in cases of congenitally missing lateral incisors in the maxilla is limited. Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the 5-year survival of implants and implant-supported crowns (ISCs) and to assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes from the professional and patient perspectives. Materials and Methods: From a total of 46 patients with congenitally missing upper lateral incisors, 36 patients treated with 54 Branemark (R) (Nobel Biocare AB, Goteborg, Sweden) implants and ISCs participated in the study. A clinical examination, California Dental Association (CDA) evaluation, and patient questionnaire were used to rate and compare the objective and subjective evaluations of the ISCs. Results: The survival of implants and ISCs was 100%. The CDA ratings were satisfactory for all ISCs, with 70% being rated excellent. The patient rating was also high for the overall satisfaction item, with 21 being completely satisfied and 14 fairly satisfied. However, 12 patients wished for the replacement of their ISCs. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a less optimal embrasure fill was the most discriminating factor though not statistically significant (p = .082). Conclusions: One-third of the patients wished for the replacement of their ISCs. Soft tissue adaptation seems to be an important factor for overall satisfaction.