Essix appliances. Provisional anterior prosthesis for pre and post implant patients.

Missing anterior teeth are being replaced by implant-supported restorations quite frequently in modern dentistry. Providing the patient with a temporary prosthesis prior to or following implant fixture placement must satisfy established esthetic and functional criteria. When orthodontic treatment is included as part of the overall treatment effort, additional considerations include the retention and stabilization of newly established tooth positions. This article describes the fabrication, use and advantages of a provisional anterior prosthesis that replaces missing teeth prior to or following implant placement.