OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical results of dental implant treatment with platform switching technique in esthetic zone and to investigate its technical characteristics.

METHODSSeventeen patients who were partially edentulous in esthetic zone were included and received a total of 26 Frialit-2 system implants in Center of Dental Implantation, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January to December 2001, and the platform switching technique was applied. The mean follow-up time was 56.3 months (24 to 74 months). Clinical examination and X-ray were conducted.

RESULTSClinical results of all implant restoration that used platform-switched abutments were satisfied. No implant loss or other severe complications occurred. The medians of marginal bone loss 1 year and 5 years after final restoration was 0.13 (-0.12 - 0.55) mm and 0.27 (-0.04 - 0.77) mm respectively. The medians of interimplant crestal bone resorption was 0.14 (0.00 - 0.30) mm and 0.21 (0.09 - 0.31) mm after 1 year and 5 years' functional loading respectively. According to Jemt classification of papilla, 23 sites reached II degree, and 10 sites reached III degree among 36 sites 5 years after prostheses. The mean value of pink esthetic score (PES) was 11.8 (10 - 14).

CONCLUSIONSPlatform switching is a simple and reliable technique for dental implant treatment, helping to control marginal bone loss and ensure an esthetic results in the esthetic zone.