Effect of using Thermo flex as Denture Base Material on Bone Height Supporting Mini Implant Supported Mandibular Over dentures

Abstract

This current study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) versus thermoplastic nylon denture base material on the supporting structures of mini implant supported mandibular over dentures. Fourteen completely edentulous patients were selected from the outpatient clinic, Removable Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University to participate in this study. Patients were precisely selected and thoroughly examined in an attempt to reduce human variables and eliminate any factor that might adversely affect the results of this study. Patients were rehabilitated by mucosa supported maxillary complete denture and mini implant supported mandibular overdenture. Standard clinical and laboratory techniques were followed for denture construction for all patients. Patients participating in this study were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the used denture base material. Group 1: patients in this group received heat cured acrylic resin mandibular overdentures supported by four mini implant(2.4 mm in diameter and 13 mm in length) in the interforaminal region. Group 2: patients in this group received mandibular overdentures fabricated from flexible thermoplastic nylon denture base material( Bre.flex) supported by four mini implant(2.4 mm in diameter and 13 mm in length) in the interforaminal region. Patients were recalled frequently for post-insertion inspection and adjustments. Follow-up visits were scheduled at time of denture insertion, six and twelve months for inspection of the prosthesis and radiographic evaluation of the peri-implant bone height change. Marginal bone height change around the implants was evaluated using the linear measurement system supplied by the digital panoramic radiograph.