Retention guide for resilient dental attachments

Abstract

Resilient attachments are widely used in removable prostheses and consist of 2 components. One component is rigid and is either cast or soldered onto the metal framework of the fixed restoration or dowel, while the other is resilient and is usually incorporated into the removable prosthesis. Based on the fabrication processes, the rigid components can be divided into 2 groups: those that are prefabricated by the manufacturers and others that are custom fabricated from preformed patterns. After the prosthesis has been worn for a period of time, retention may decrease as a result of wear on the patrix or matrix components of the attachment. For those fabricated by casting, the accuracy of the attachments may vary as a result of the casting technique, the properties of the metal alloy, and thematerials. As a result, attachment retentionmay vary from what the manufacturers purport. Even with prefabricated attachments, wear will result in a reduction of retention. Replacing the worn components in an attachment-assisted or attachment-retained prosthesis is inevitable. Although manufacturers offer varying levels of retention for attachments, there is little information available about how to make an appropriate selection. This article presents a technique for fabricating a guide to test retention of attachment components. This technique will describe the Stern Extracoronal Resilient Attachment (ERA) (Sterngold, Attleboro, Mass) overdenture attachments; however, the technique is applicable to other attachment systems.