Different Attachment Systems for Single Implant Retained Mandibular Overdenture (In Vitro Study)

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this study was to compare stresses induced by different attachment systems for single implant retained mandibular overdenture by using strain gauge analysis. Material and methods: One clear acrylic model was constructed representing completely edentulous lower ridge. A single implant was placed in the midline region of this model and four identical experimental overdentures were constructed. The first overdenture was fitted to single implant through a Ball & Socket attachment, while the second was fitted to implant through a locater attachment, the third was fitted to single implant through a Magnet Dome attachment and the fourth one was fitted to the implant through a Magnet flat shape attachment. Two strain gauges were installed in the right and left sides of single midline implant. A special loading device (universal testing machine) was used to apply standardized static vertical and oblique loads with a magnitude of 100 N at the right first molar tooth on the occlusal surface of each experimental overdenture. Results: Comparing the four design abutments that were studied, the differences were statistically significant, post hock test showed significant difference between ball & socket and other attachment groups. Conclusions: The ball & socket attachment has produced the lowest stress level than others, and the greater strain was induced on single midline implant with oblique load compared to strain induced on implant with vertical load during unilateral posterior load application with four design abutments.