Stealth Shouldered Abutments

➤ Stealth Shouldered Abutment Considerations ■ Although the stealth shouldered abutment is designed for all-ceramic restorations, it may be used in conjunction with metal castings. ■ Use the shoulder depth gauge to determine an appropriate abutment shoulder height, relative to the gingival tissues. The first mark on the shoulder depth gauge corresponds to a 2.0mm shoulder height of a 5.0mm stealth shouldered abutment. The second mark corresponds to a 4.0mm shoulder height, etc. If the soft tissue falls in between two marks, select the shorter of the two abutment heights for an aesthetic result. ■ The diameter of an abutment is dictated by the interproximal papillae. The abutment should support the papillae without encroaching upon them. ■ The stealth acrylic sleeve may be used for making an impression, for creating a temporary crown, for recording an occlusal registration, and also as a waxing sleeve or a corrective coping. ■ When using the one-piece sleeve as an impression transfer, it is essential to confirm that an internal flat of the sleeve has been aligned with an external flat on the abutment. ■ Prior to the intraorally cementing of a crown on a shouldered abutment, a radiograph must be taken to ensure that the crown is fully seated. ■ The aluminium oxide sleeve must be ground wet either using a sintered diamond disk or a diamond wheel on a model trimmer. ■ Only aluminous porcelains may be used in conjunction with the aluminum oxide sleeve.* (n.b., metal-ceramic type porcelains and pressable ceramics are NOT compatible with Bicon’s aluminum oxide sleeve.) ■ A 3.5mm stealth shouldered abutment crown MUST be extra-orally cemented.