Abstract
In recent years, a major research goal of companies has been to create mechanical components suitable for rehabilitation that are safer and more reliable. Evaluating their biomechanical features could be a way to improve them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different biomechanical features of low-profile retentive systems (Rhein®). Two different attachment systems were tested: OT Equator® Smart Box and Locator® R-TX. Once a machine was created for the simulation of the connection and disconnection of the attacks in a combined manner, it was possible to evaluate these parameters over time. Attachments were mounted in two different configurations of the divergence angle: 10° and 50°. The drop retention force proved to be stable over time. The Locator® R-TX attachment experienced a more rapid decrement of the retention force than the OT Equator® Smart Box. Both tested systems experienced a high drop in retention; this drop tended to stabilize after 1.5 years of use, and it was correlated with the divergence angle. The OT Equator® Smart Box system underwent this loss of retention more gradually than the Locator® R-TX. This study demonstrates preliminary results from a bioengineering and biomechanical point of view, providing useful information for the continuous improvement of these devices and, therefore, for the quality of patients’ oral health.
Highlights
IntroductionImplant-supported mandibular overdentures retained by two implants are a cost-effective treatment option for edentulous patients [1,2]
This study aimed to evaluate the retention force of these two attachment systems for overdenture
For a divergence angle of 10◦ (Figure 1a), the Locator® R-TX attachment experienced a rapid decrement of the retention force in the first half year
Summary
Implant-supported mandibular overdentures retained by two implants are a cost-effective treatment option for edentulous patients [1,2]. This treatment improves the stability and retention of the mandibular complete denture and patients’ masticatory function compared with conventional removable dentures [2,3,4]. Several attachment systems have been developed to improve the retention characteristics and stability of implant-supported. The performance of implant-supported overdentures depends on the retentive capacity of the attachment system employed, providing forces that are strong enough to prevent overdenture displacement [8,9]. Biomechanical knowledge of different attachment systems could help clinicians to select the proper attachment for each case [10,11,12]
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