In vitro variation measurement of mandibular denture displacement resistance involving 1 to 3 implants.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Single-implant-retained mandibular overdentures (1-IODs) may be an alternative to 2-IOD for maladaptive denture patients giving comparable satisfaction, lower cost, and shorter treatment times. However, studies evaluating the effect of the number of implants on the strain exerted around the implants of IODs using strain-gauge analysis are lacking.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of the number of implants on the strain in an IOD under various loading and dislodging conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mandibular IOD with the Locator attachment system (pink nylon inserts) was fabricated on artificial mucosa. Three implant positions recorded the loading: 1-IOD (mid-anterior), 2-IOD (bilateral lateral incisor), and 3-IOD (mid-anterior and bilateral canine) were prepared. Strain gauges attached to the mid-anterior implant replica for the 1-IOD, the left lateral incisor replica for the 2-IOD, and the anterior and left canine replicas for the 3-IOD. Vertical loads of 50 N were applied to the experimental overdenture in the mid-anterior and right molar and left molar regions. Three dislodging tests were performed in 3 different areas: mid-anterior, posterior, and mid-anterior and bilateral molar. Six measurements were made under each loading and dislodging condition for each IOD (N=6). During the calibration test, the resultant strain measured by strain gauge was converted into a lateral force (F) value by using linear regression: Fanterior-posterior (N)=1.08×strain (με), Fposterior-anterior (N)=0.192×strain (με), Fleft-right (N)=0.590×strain (με), Fright-left (N)=0.560×strain (με). Statistical analysis was performed by using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05).

RESULTS: The 3-IOD demonstrated the significantly highest strain under loading and dislodging conditions (P<.05). The 1-IOD demonstrated the significantly highest strain during right-side loading (P<.05). Upon anterior and left-side loading, no significant difference was noted in strain between the 1-IOD and 2-IOD (P=.413, P=.272). Under dislodging conditions, the 1-IOD exhibited the significantly lowest strain (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the 3-IOD demonstrated the highest lateral resistance force during load and dislodge testing, whereas the 1-IOD exhibited the lowest.