Retention force and deformation of an innovative attachment model for mini-implant-retained overdentures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The gradual loss of retention and the need for periodic replacement of attachment-system components are the most frequent complications in implant-supported overdentures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to develop a new attachment system for overdentures with polymeric materials and compare its retention and deformation with a conventional O-ring attachment system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A matrix with 2 mini-implants with ball abutments was used to simulate the mandibular border during a fatigue resistance test. A total of 60 polyacetal (n=20), polytetrafluoroethylene (n=20), and conventional O-ring (n=20) attachments were captured in pairs with acrylic resin and subjected to 3625 insertion and removal cycles, simulating 30 months of overdenture use. The internal and external deformations of the attachments were assessed using an optical stereomicroscope. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference tests were used for statistical evaluation (α=.05).

RESULTS: The polyacetal attachment system showed the highest retention (P<.001), followed by the O-ring and polytetrafluoroethylene attachments. The O-ring attachments exhibited the lowest deformation (P<.001), and the polyacetal attachments had the highest internal deformation (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed polyacetal attachment model increased the retention of mini-implant-retained overdentures, and despite the deformation experienced, the retention period appears to be better than that of conventional systems.