Stress Distribution in Implant-Supported Overdenture and Peri-Implant Bone Using Three Attachment Systems: A Finite Element Analysis

Background: This finite element analysis (FEA) evaluated stress distribution in implant-supported overdenture (ISO) and peri-implant bone using one extracoronal (ball) and two intracoronal (locator and Zest Anchor Advanced Generation (ZAAG)) attachment systems. Methods: In this in vitro study, the mandible was modelled in the form of an arc-shaped bone block with 33 mm height and 8 mm width. Two titanium implants were modelled at the site of canine teeth, and three attachments (ZAGG, locator, and ball) were placed over them. Next, 100 N load was applied at 90° and 30° angles from the molar site of each quadrant to the implants. The stress distribution pattern in the implants and the surrounding bone was analyzed, and the von Mises stress around the implants and in the crestal bone was calculated. Results: While minimum stress in peri-implant bone following load application at 30° angle was noted in the mesial point of the locator attachment, maximum stress was recorded at the distal point of the ball attachment following load application at 90° angle. Maximum stress around the implant following load application at 90° angle was noted in the lingual point of the ball attachment while minimum stress was recorded in the lingual point of the locator attachment following load application at 90° angle. Conclusions: According to the results, the locator attachment is preferred to the ZAAG attachment, and the ball attachment should be avoided if possible.