Esthetic complications due to nonharmonious peri-implant soft tissue profiles are common in the anterior maxilla, especially when 2 adjacent implants are found. This article suggests the use of a single implant to replace 2 lost adjacent teeth in this region and demonstrates the treatment with 2 clinical cases. The main advantage is preservation of the interdental papilla and gingival contours, compensating for the alveolar bone crest resorption at the platform of a second implant. (Quintessence Int 2008;39:717–725)

Key words: cantilever, dental papilla, esthetic zone, gingival tissue, implant-supported prosthesis, titanium implants