Aim: This within-subject study report to investigate masticatory efficiency and maximum bite force of Locator and telescopic crown attachments used to retain maxillary implant overdentures.
Materials and methods: Six edentulous patients (3 males and 3 females) received 4 implants in the anterior maxillary region between the maxillary sinuses using a standardized 2 stage surgical approach. Six months after osseointegration, the implants were loaded either by Locator or telescopic maxillary overdentures in a cross-over study design. Masticatory efficiency was performed using the 2-colored gum mixing ability test. The gum was chewed for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 cycles, and the images of the chewed gum were analyzed using a Photoshop program to calculate the unmixed fraction (UF). Also, maximum bite force was evaluated using a bite-force transducer. Chewing efficiency and maximum bite forces were evaluated 3 months after wearing each overdenture.
Results: The success rate was 100% in both groups. There was a trend for a decrease in UF (ie improved masticatory efficiency) with the increase in the number of masticatory cycles. Telescopic maxillary overdentures showed significantly lower UF (ie higher masticatory efficiency) and higher maximum bite force than Locator maxillary overdentures
Conclusion: Telescopic attachments are recommended for maxillary implant overdentures as it had improved masticatory efficiency and maximum bite force than Locator attachments