Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical retention values of metal and poly ether-ether Ketone secondary copings for rigid telescopic retained implant supported mandibular overdentures
Material and methods: Eight edentulous patients (4 males and 4 females) who were unsatisfied with the retention of mandibular dentures were randomly assigned equally into 2 groups then received 4 implants in the interforaminal region of the mandible. Group I received telescopic overdentures with metal secondary coping (control group), Group II received telescopic overdentures with Poly ether-ether secondary copings (PEEK) (test group). Measurement of clinical retention forces (in Newton) were performed by digital force meter device attached to a special device that ensure application of vertical dislodging perpendicular to the patient's occlusal plan. Measurements were performed at time of overdenture insertion, 3 months and 6 months after insertion.
Results: For all times of measurements, PEEK secondary copings were associated with significant higher clinical retention values than metal secondary copings. For metal and PEEK groups, retention values at base line were the highest values followed by retention values after 3 months and the least retention forces were noted after 6 months.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study caused by small patient sample and short evaluation period, PEEK secondary copings for telescopic attachments of mandibular implant overdentures is recommended than cobalt chromium secondary copings as it was associated with increased clinical retention values even after 6 months of clinical use.