Principles of Attachment Selection for Implant Supported Overdentures
| Principles of Attachment Selection for Implant Supported Overdentures | Hamid Shafie, DDS* and George Obeid, DDS** |
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| effects for better force distribution disappear, and the force patterns will be similar to those of unsplinted implants
Load Distribution of Stud Attachments vs. a Bar The in vivo study by Menicucci et al. showed that ball anchors are preferred because they provide better load distribution than bar attachements on the posterior mandibular bone.2 Stern et al, through a series of three-dimensional force measurements with two infra-foramina Strauman implants in fully edentulous patients, showed no significant force differences when different attachment assemblies and retention mechanisms were compared.3
A pilot study by Mericske-Stern et al. compared repeated in vivo measurements of 3-D forces in maxillary implants supporting either a fixed denture or an overdenture with a rigid bar connection.4 They found comparable force magnitudes and patterns, suggesting that, when loaded, a rigid bar with a connected overdenture performs in a way similar to a fixed prosthesis.
Stud attachments have been on the market for several decades. They are very straightforward to use and provide reasonable retention and stability for implant overdentures.3, 5-26 |
Important Considerations Regarding Stud Attachment Alignment
Relationship of the Stud Attachments With Each Other It is important to have all of the stud attachments parallel to each other. Some universal joint (ball and socket) attachments may be as much as 5° to 7° out of parallel with each other and still function properly. Relationship of the Stud Attachments With the Path of Insertion The attachments should not interfere with the path of insertion of the overdenture. Height of the Stud Attachments It is more difficult to achieve an ideal alignment with taller attachments than shorter ones.
The Locator® overdenture stud attachment was conceived by R&D Specialist Scott Mullaly of Zest Anchors, LLC (Escondido, CA) and became commercially available for natural teeth (roots) in February, 2000 and for implants in September of that same year. The Locator® was designed for ease of insertion and removal, dual retention, a low vertical profile and a unique ability to pivot, thus increasing its resiliency and tolerance for implant divergency. (Fig. 1) |
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Volume 19.6 |