Aim: This study aimed to radiographically compare the effect of different resilient attachments on maxillary and mandibular residual ridge changes after 5 years of using mandibular 2-implant retained overdentures.
Materials and methods: Eighteen completely edentulous male patients, with age ranging from 45 to 60 years, were included in the study. Maxillary complete dentures were constructed opposed to 2-implant retained mandibular overdentures. Patients were divided randomly into three equal groups according to type of attachment into; ball/socket (BOD) group, Locator attachment (LOD) group, and positioner attachment (POD) group. Maxillary and mandibular ridge resorption were determined by using the proportional area index method on the panoramic radiograph taken at time of overdenture insertion and at five years later.
Results: The minimal rate of ridge resorption was recorded for posterior maxillary ridges (Max-PRRR) followed by that of posterior mandibular ones (Mand-PRRR), while the highest resorption rate was recorded for anterior maxillary ridges (Max-ARRR). The study did not reveal significant difference in ridge resorpion between the resilient attachment systems.
Conclusion: Mandibular overdentures retained by two implants with the described attachment systems provide a similar and acceptable range of residual ridge resorption (RRR) after 5years of function. The reduced RRR with Locator attachments proved its ability to provide an equitable load on the implants and tissue bearing areas during function.