DOI: 10.4103/tdj.tdj_202_25 ISSN: 1687-8574

Effect of different bar attachments and clip materials on retention force for implant-assisted mandibular complete overdentures

Nadeen M.R. El Deep, Ibrahim R. Eltorky, Ahmed M. Alam-Eldein
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Aim

To assess the impact of two different bar attachments (Co-Cr and PEEK) and clip materials [Polyoxymethylene (POM) and PEEK] on retention force for retaining mandibular implant-assisted complete overdentures.

Patients and methods

Sixteen identical readymade mandibular completely edentulous epoxy resin models were used, covered with 2 mm of silicon resilient material to simulate oral mucosa. The models were divided into two main groups based on bar materials: group 1 (Co-Cr milled bars) and group 2 (PEEK milled bars). Each group was further subdivided by clip materials (POM/PEEK). Retention force was measured before/after 150 000 chewing cycles and 1,080 insertion-removal cycles (simulating 1 year).

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between (Co-Cr bar and POM clip), (Co-Cr bar and PEEK clip), (PEEK bar and POM clip) and (PEEK bar and PEEK clip) where ( P ≤ 0.001). The combinations of PEEK bars and PEEK clips had the highest retention mean values, followed by (Co-Cr bar and PEEK clip) and (PEEK bar and POM clip), while the combination of Co-Cr bars and POM clips had the lowest retention mean values.

Conclusions

PEEK clips provide better retention than POM, making them preferable for long-term use. Digital fabrication ensures precision, though material selection critically impacts retention durability.

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