A comparative evaluation of retention capacity of different dental implant supported overdenture attachment systems- An in vitro study

Abstract

The most common way to treat full edentulism is with a complete denture. In the mandible as opposed to the maxilla, there is greater worry over the durability and retention of a traditional complete denture. The mandibular arch's decreased surface area for support and retention is the main cause of this. For a fully edentulous mandible, implant-supported overdentures are a reliable course of treatment.This in-vitro study aimed at comparing the retentive capacity of Ball, Locator and OT Equator Implant supported overdenture attachment system when subjected to 14600 cycles of insertion and de-insertion.Fifteen mandibular dentures were fabricated with heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate resin to test the retentive capacity of Ball, Locator and OT Equator attachment system. Metal housing with retentive nylon caps were picked up in all the sample using cold cure acrylic resin. The samples were subjected to fatigue testing and only monodirectional force was applied. Ball, Locator and OT Equator attachment system sample were subjected to 14,600 insertion/ de insertion cycle on Universal Testing Machine and data was recorded and statistical analysis was done. All the three groups showed significant differences. The retentive capacity of the Ball attachments lasts longer than that of the Locator and Equator attachments. After ten years of use, All three systems continue to have clinically acceptable retention.