Combining different ceramic systems and periodontal microsurgery in maxillary esthetic areas: a case report.

Oral rehabilitations in esthetic regions may be challenging when different prosthodontic modalities must be combined with interventions on gingival tissues to create a harmonious smile for the patient. This case report describes the treatment of a 36-year-old man with an esthetically compromised maxillary anterior region by means of periodontal microsurgery, an implant-supported dental prosthesis, and tooth-supported crowns. Combined esthetic-functional planning based on clinical and radiographic examinations, photographs, and a diagnostic wax-up led to correction of the gingival contour and thickness by means of periodontal microsurgery; customization of an implant-supported zirconia abutment with the application of feldspathic porcelain; fabrication of a lithium disilicate ceramic infrastructure to mask darkened substrate; and fabrication of lithium disilicate ceramic definitive restorations. Five years after cementation of the restorations, the results remained stable. Careful treatment planning allowed the achievement of a satisfactory, predictable, and long-lasting esthetic result.