Evaluation of two different attachment systems used with mandibular implant-retained overdenture

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different attachment systems on the retention and implant stability of implant-retained mandibular overdenture. Materials and Methods: Fourteen completely edentulous patients with age ranged from 47 to 65 years planned to receive conventional complete denture. Following the treatment protocol, each patient received two implants in the mandibular anterior region, and after insurance of the osseointegration, the patients were randomly divided into two groups – Group A received Ball/O-Ring attachment and Group B received locator attachment. The retention of two groups was assessed by the digital force meter at three times (T): T0 – retention of conventional complete denture, T1 – at time of insertion of implant-retained mandibular overdenture, and T3 – retention after 3 months of insertion of implant-retained mandibular overdenture. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was done using Magnetic Resonance Frequency Analyzer (Osstell, ISQ) at the time of loading then after 3 and 6 months. Results: The retention values before the insertion of overdenture (T0) were considerably low in comparison with those at time of insertion of overdenture (T1) and after 3 months from denture insertion (T3). Regarding the ISQ values, there was no significant difference between the two groups before and at the time of insertion of implant while there was a significant difference between the two groups with better stability results in the locator attachment group after 3 months (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, both types of attachment systems, i.e., Ball/O-Ring and locator attachments are reliable modalities for improving the retention and stability of implant-retained mandibular overdenture with superior initial stability results for the locator attachment.