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The International Congress of Oral Implantologists sponsored a consensus conference on the topic of Crown Height Space on June 26-27, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The panel communicated on several occasions before, during, and after the meeting, both as a group and among individuals. A consensus of one opinion was not developed for most issues. However, general guidelines emerged related to the topic. The following article is Part 2 of a summary of several of the guidelines that should be of benefit to the profession at large. (Part 1 appeared in Implant Dentistry 2005;14:312-321.).

The selection of appropriate implant treatment modalities for the edentulous maxillary arch is complex. Although many patients are candidates for an implant-supported removable prosthesis, two major considerations affecting choice of treatment type are the amount of residual alveolar bone and soft tissue, and cost. A technique is described that employs a cast milled primary bar and a secondary casting constructed using a vacuum-formed 0.040-in plastic matrix. The secondary casting is intimately adapted to the primary bar and incorporates the retentive elements within it. The resulting prosthesis is less expensive than comparable designs, and retentive elements are easily replaceable. The technique is adaptable to most implant systems. The matrix-assisted secondary casting technique provides a design that is esthetic and hygienic. The prosthesis may also be easier to insert and remove than implant-supported removable prostheses that use plunger- or latch-type retention.

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