Objective: the aim of this study was to compare stresses induced in locater and magnetic dome type attachments for single implant retained mandibular overdenture by using strain gauge analysis.
Material and methods: One clear acrylic model was constructed representing completely edentulous lower ridge. A single implant was placed in the midline region of this model and two identical experimental overdentures were constructed. The first overdenture was fitted to single implant through a locater attachment while the second was fitted to implant through a Magnet Dome attachment. Four strain gauges were installed in labial and lingual surfaces and the right &left sides of single midline implant. A special loading device (universal testing machine) was used to apply standardized static vertical load with a magnitude of 100 N at the right first molar tooth on the occlusal surface of each experimental overdenture.
Results: Comparing the two attachments that were studied, the differences were statistically significant, independent T test showed significant difference between Locater and Magnetic attachment groups.
Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that: magnetic attachment induce less stresses than locater attachment in case of single implant retained mandibular overdenture.