Page 53 - Demo

Historical evolution of the TMJ prosthesis512cement, resulted in the need for explantation of the implant systems in several thousand patients, as well as a loss of confidence in the alloplastic TMJ TJR. Although recent literature has shown satisfying results for these current systems, as well as a renewed interest in this field of prosthetic surgery, it is important to notice that further improvements can still be made. The continuing importance of CAD/CAM in the medical field will undoubtedly shape the development of the newer systems’ designs, allowing for a better anatomical fit, improving fixation, and keeping the positions of various structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve in mind when designing the implant.(49) Also, advances can be made in the field of materials, such as new coatings and alloys (eg. β-titanium and aluminatoughened zirconia), allowing the development of implant systems with an elastic modulus closer to bone, with better wear properties, better biocompatibility, and so on.(52,104–107) Nikolas de Meurechy NW.indd 51 05-06-2024 10:14