THE CONCEPT OF PLATFORM SWITCHING

Platform switching is obtained by using narrower diameter abutment over wide diameter implant platform. to obtain more bone contact area and more primer stabilization in post implantation period, 5.0 and 6.0 mm wide-diameter platforms were produced but because of the matching diameter prosthetic componenets were not available, these wide implants were restorated standard-diameter (4.1 mm) prosthetic components. long-term radiographic follow up of these wide diameter implants has demonstrated a smaller than expected vertical change in crestal bone height. this concept which the outer edge of the implant- abutment interface horizontally respositoned inwardly is called platform switching. the aim of this review is to discuss the advantage and disadvantages of platform switching and review the current literatures covering the studies about this concept.