Root-Retained Overdentures: Pushing the Boundaries of Clinical Practice “Four Clinical Case Reports”

Abstract

While the popularity of implant-retained overdentures has recently increased, root-retained overdentures have been predominantly disregarded. This case series presents four challenging cases restored successfully by attachment-retained complete and partial overdenture prostheses; employing an innovative intra-radicular attachment that could overcome the most common complications faced with the outdated versions. After diagnostic assessments, the OT reverse 3 attachment (OT reverse 3 overdenture post for roots, Rhein 83, Bologna. Italy) was selected fundamentally on the basis of the extremely reduced restorative space, dentures were simply constructed and fitted chairside. Patients expressed satisfaction with their prostheses regarding retention, stability, esthetics, functionality, and ease of insertion and removal; immediately after delivery and during the three-month follow-up. The attachment’s small size was found to fit perfectly the reduced space without denture over-contouring or encroachment on occlusion, and the attachment’s elastic functionality reduced the troubles faced due to the advanced ridge resorption and root’s divergence; through reducing stress transmission to abutments during the inevitable denture movements and during insertion and removal.