Vertical ridge augmentation in the esthetic zone

The reconstruction of deficient alveolar ridges using vertical and/or horizontal guided bone regeneration techniques allows for ideal implant placement, which is crucial for function and also for esthetically successful outcomes. Unlike in the past, when meeting a patient's functional demands was sufficient, many patients now have greater expectations from their implant restoration. Hence, it is no longer enough simply to restore the edentulous space with a functioning tooth or teeth. It has been suggested that patients now measure their final restoration using the contralateral natural tooth as the gold standard. Both subjective and objective levels of patient information on dental implants have increased significantly in the last decade. As a result of this demand, implant literature has inherited and developed specific esthetic parameters and patient-centered outcomes from studies in the restorative field. Unfortunately, studies reporting on guided bone regeneration in the esthetic zone entirely lack such parameters and outcomes. Currently, there is a strong need for a consensus on objective and well-defined parameters to assess the esthetics in bone regeneration and subsequently on implant dentistry.