Alveolar ridge resorption is an unavoidable consequence in complete denture wearers due to limited retention and stability. Implant-retained overdentures enhance retention, stability, and masticatory performance while reducing ridge resorption and improving patients' quality of life. Among attachment systems, ball-type anchors have long been favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, the Equator attachment has emerged as a refined alternative, providing superior retention and stability for implant overdentures. Functional performance can be evaluated through electromyography, which records masticatory muscle activity, and the T-Scan system, which analyzes occlusal force distribution and timing during dynamic occlusion. Additionally, bite force measurement serves as a key indicator of prosthetic efficiency and neuromuscular function, with implant-retained overdentures showing higher values than conventional dentures. This study aimed to compare bone level changes, occlusal force distribution in patients wearing mandibular implant overdentures retained by Equator and ball-and-socket attachments.
All 24 patients will receive upper complete and lower complete overdentures. The upper complete denture will be mucosa supported while lower complete denture will be retained for by two dental implants in the inter-foraminal region. Patients will be divided into two equal groups; Group I will be retained by Ball and Socket attachment, while Group II will be retained by Equator attachment. Both groups will be functionally loaded after three months of insertion. This study aimed to compare bone level changes, occlusal force distribution in patients wearing mandibular implant overdentures retained by Equator and ball-and-socket attachments. Bone level changes will be measured using CBCT, While occlusal force will be measured using Tscan system.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
24
Two implants will be restored using ball-and-socket attachment systems, with the mandibular denture retained over these attachments through corresponding metal housings
Two implants will be restored using Equator attachment systems, with the mandibular denture retained over these attachments through corresponding metal housings
Oral and Dental Research Institute, National Research Center
Cairo, Egypt
Marginal Bone Changes
Marginal bone height changes around the two implants were evaluated through the software by measuring the distance from the alveolar crest to the implant apex in both coronal and sagittal views. The amount of bone loss was calculated by subtracting the measured distance between each radiographic evaluation made at the time of denture insertion and the recall appointments by superimposition of images and average was taken
Time frame: it will be measured at denture insertion, 6 month, and 12 month later
Occlusal force distribution measurement
Occlusal force distribution was done using the T-Scan™ Novus™, which consists of a sensor registering occlusal contacts, a data transferring module linked to a computer, and a software program to send data to the computer and visualize them on the monitor
Time frame: it will be recorded at the time of prosthesis insertion, 6 months, and 12 months after denture insertion.
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