What factor has the greatest influence on the development of excessive forces on an implant?

The crown-to-implant ratio significantly influences the development of excessive forces on an implant. This ratio refers to the proportion between the height or length of the crown and the length of the implant. A higher crown-to-implant ratio indicates a longer crown relative to the implant, which can lead to increased lever forces on the implant during chewing or other functional movements. This occurs because any force applied to the crown translates into a greater moment at the implant interface. If the ratio exceeds a certain threshold, it can compromise the stability of the implant and increase the risk of failure due to overload.

The other factors listed may affect the overall success of an implant but have a lesser impact on excessive forces. For instance, the type of cement used is more relevant in securing restorations rather than in the distribution of forces. Bone density does play a role in the ability to sustain forces, yet it is not as directly correlated to the mechanical disadvantages associated with a high crown-to-implant ratio. Lastly, the material type of the implant can influence its strength and durability, but again, this does not affect the mechanical leverage in the same way that an unfavorable crown-to-implant ratio does. Thus, the crown-to-implant ratio emerges as the most critical factor in the development