Comparison of stud and telescopic crown attachments for mini-implant retained mandibular complete overdentures

Abstract

Objectives:The objective of this study was to make a radiographic and bite force comparison between stud and double telescopic crowns using two different attachment systems for two interforaminal mini implants retaining mandibular complete overdenture. Subjects and Materials: Randomized, controlled, clinical study was done on 20 completely edentulous patients, divided into 2 equal groups. The first group (study group), patients were treated by two mini-implants (with ball abutments) of 2.4mm diameters and 13mm lengths (in the canine regions) retaining mandibular overdentures and by conventional maxillary complete dentures. The second group (control group), patients were treated by two mini-implants (with square head abutments) of 2.4mm diameters and 13mm lengths (in the canine regions) retaining mandibular overdentures and by conventional maxillary complete dentures. Results: At the end of the 12 months, a total bone loss of 0.69 mm for group I (with ball abutments), and 1.64 mm for group II (with square head abutments) was detected. For Maximum Bite Force, there was no significant difference between the two groups at all follow-up periods. Conclusion: Mandibular overdentures retained by two mini implants is considered as an acceptable treatment modality over the one-year observation period. Ball attachments are more favorable than telescopic attachments, in regard to the reduction of the peri-implant bone loss, while, the type of the attachment has less effect on the maximum bite force.