This 10-year retrospective study investigates residual ridge changes in edentulous patients treated with mandibular overdentures (ODs) retained by either four Locator attachments or a four-implant bar system. Although two-implant ODs are well established, four-implant configurations may offer enhanced stability and function. Locator and bar attachments are commonly used, but their long-term effects on bone resorption patterns-especially posterior mandibular and anterior maxillary resorption-remain unclear. By standardizing implant positions, this study aims to directly compare the two systems to help guide clinicians in selecting the most effective attachment type for long-term success.
Implant-supported mandibular overdentures (ODs) have become the preferred treatment for edentulous patients, particularly after the endorsement of this approach by the McGill and York consensus statements. Although the use of two implants is well established, emerging research supports the use of four implants to enhance denture stability, improve masticatory function, and better maintain the surrounding oral structures. Among the available attachment systems, Locator and bar-retained attachments are the most frequently utilized, each offering specific benefits. Locator attachments are known for their simplicity, affordability, and ease of maintenance. In contrast, bar-retained systems provide more rigid splinting between implants and more even stress distribution. These systems differ biomechanically, especially regarding their impact on bone resorption in the posterior mandible, which plays a vital role in denture retention and function. While some research has compared different attachment types, few studies have standardized implant number and position. Moreover, there is a lack of long-term comparative studies assessing four-implant mandibular ODs using both Locator and bar attachments. Critical outcomes such as posterior mandibular ridge resorption (PMandRR), marginal bone loss (MBL), and anterior maxillary ridge resorption (AMaxRR) must be examined to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and biomechanical performance of these attachment systems.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
22
This study retrospectively evaluated two types of implant-retained mandibular overdenture attachment systems placed in edentulous patients over a 10-year period. All patients received four dental implants placed in the interforaminal region (lateral incisor and first premolar areas). In the Locator group, each implant was restored with an individual Locator attachment, allowing for independent retention and easier hygiene access. In the Bar group, the four implants were splinted together with a rigid metal bar, and the overdenture was attached using clips that engaged the bar, offering splinted support and enhanced load distribution. Both interventions were designed to support mandibular overdentures and were compared in terms of their long-term effects on posterior mandibular ridge resorption, marginal bone loss around implants, and anterior maxillary ridge resorption.
Faculty of Dentistry
Al Mansurah, Menoufia, Egypt
RECRUITINGMarginal Bone Loss (MBL)
Crestal bone loss around dental implants
Time frame: 10 years
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