Guided Bone Regeneration for Vertical Alveolar Augmentation: Clinical Evaluation of d-PTFE-Ti Membranes and Comparison with Collagen Membranes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Based on the growing use of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for implant rehabilitation in atrophic alveolar ridges, the choice of barrier membrane remains a critical factor for clinical success. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of titanium-reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE-Ti) membranes compared with resorbable collagen membranes in vertical ridge augmentation. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. Clinical studies published since 2014 involving human subjects undergoing GBR procedures with either d-PTFE-Ti or collagen membranes were included. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized clinical trials and cohort studies. The selected studies indicated that both membrane-based approaches were effective in promoting bone regeneration and enabling implant placement. Titanium-reinforced d-PTFE membranes may offer mechanical advantages in space maintenance and dimensional stability, particularly in larger vertical defects; however, the available comparative evidence did not demonstrate a consistent statistically significant superiority over collagen-based approaches. Within the limitations of the available evidence, both strategies appear to provide clinically predictable outcomes, and membrane selection should be individualized according to defect morphology and treatment requirements.