Microscopic evaluation of implant platform adaptation with UCLA-type abutments: in vitro study

Abstract Introduction The fit between abutment and implant is crucial to determine the longevity of implant-supported prostheses and the maintenance of peri-implant bones. Objective To evaluate the vertical misfit between different abutments in order to provide information to assist abutment selection. Material and method UCLA components (N=40) with anti-rotational system were divided as follows: components usinated in titanium (n=10) and plastic components cast proportionally in titanium (n=10), nickel-chromium-titanium-molybdenum (n=10) and nickel-chromium (n=10) alloys. All components were submitted to stereomicroscope analysis and were randomly selected for characterization by SEM. Result Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation and subjected to ANOVA-one way, where the groups proved to statistically different (p=<0.05), followed by Tukey’s test. Conclusion The selection of material influences the value of vertical misfit. The group machined in Ti showed the lowest value while the group cast in Ni Cr showed the highest value of vertical misfit.