Cobalt Chromium vs Peek for Reinforcing Single Implant Mandibular Overdentures: A Clinical Study of Strain Analysis

Abstract

Background: Earlier investigations affirmed promising results in oral rehabilitation of the elderly by single implant mandibular overdentures SIMOs. However, being highly prone to fracture in the anterior region of those overdentures is a concern for clinicians. Objectives: This crossover study aimed at clinically assessing the deformation of denture bases of various reinforcement framework materials (PEEK or metal), for single implant mandibular overdentures. Materials and Methods: Fifteen edentulous patients received one implant in the midline regions of their mandible. Three months later, each patient had two overdentures; one was metal-reinforced (Group I), and the other was PEEK reinforced (Group II). Six linear strain gauges were affixed to both lingual and buccal surfaces of the implant overdentures. Strain registrations were carried out while the participants were clenching. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare denture strains between groups and channels. Results: PEEK reinforcement Group (II) revealed statistically significant higher strains (p < .001) than metal reinforcement Group (I) regarding all channels. In both groups strain gauges on the lingual surface recorded compressive stresses. While the buccal gauges recorded tensile stresses. Conclusion: Respecting single implant mandibular overdentures, metal reinforcement is recommended to be used compared to PEEK reinforcement as it was associated with reduced strains.