Abstract
Objective: Implant-supported overdentures are a valid treatment option for edentulous patients. The use of two mandibular implants is considered the minimum standard of care. This study evaluated the retentive force of two attachments and their respective connection systems in a mandibular implant-supported overdenture. Methods: Two acrylic blocks were prepared: two parallel implants set 22 mm apart were embedded in one of the blocks, while in the other were positioned the female systems for each attachment system tested (Dalbo Ball BTI® and Locator® with female components in both clear and pink nylon). A specific machine was designed to measure the retentive force of the attachments over the cycles applied. The speed of insertion/disinsertion was 0.5 Hz, applied constantly. Results: The clear nylon Locator® attachments registered the highest initial retention value (85.7 N), followed by the Dalbo-Ball® system (62.1 N) and pink nylon Locator® (49.6 N). After 5400 cycles, the mean force exerted was highest in the clear nylon Locator® attachments (42.3 N) followed by Dalbo-Ball® (34.3 N) and pink nylon Locator® (24.6 N). Conclusion: The initial retention force decreases over time for the attachment systems tested.
Highlights
Improvements in the socio-economic conditions and general health of people living in developed countries have led to a progressively aging population
Subsequent to tooth loss, decreases retention and stability of dentures by changing their biomechanical behavior. These considerations are more significant in the edentulous mandible, where bone reabsorption and muscle dynamics act with greater intensity [2]
To evaluate the retention strength of the attachment systems over time, it was necessary to design a machine with specific equipment for this purpose, which was constructed at the Laboratory of Optics and Experimental Mechanics at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto
Summary
Improvements in the socio-economic conditions and general health of people living in developed countries have led to a progressively aging population. Teeth are lost later, the longevity of the population has meant an increase in the number of prosthetic oral rehabilitation procedures, including full dentures [1]. Subsequent to tooth loss, decreases retention and stability of dentures by changing their biomechanical behavior. These considerations are more significant in the edentulous mandible, where bone reabsorption and muscle dynamics act with greater intensity [2]. Many studies have demonstrated that conventional mandibular dentures are not able to properly restore masticatory function, or improve satisfactorily the quality of life of most patients [3]. There is strong evidence that retention given by the implants used in overdentures is a very important factor for patient satisfaction [4,5]
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