Purpose: the aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate marginal bone loss and patient satisfaction with gold alloy metal clip versus nylon plastic clips of stress-free implant (SFI) bar used for immediately loaded 4-implant assisted mandibular overdentures.
Materials and methods: Eight edentulous patients with unsatisfactory experience of retention and stability of mandibular conventional dentures. Implant were connected with SFI bars then immediately loaded by E-clip (Elitor gold metal alloy) retained overdentures (group 1) or T-clip (titanium housings with replaceable nylon clips) retained overdentures (group 2). Marginal bone loss was measured after 6 and 12 months of insertion. Patient satisfaction was evaluated
Results: For both groups marginal bone loss significantly increased from 6 months to 12 months after insertion. Group 1 recorded significant higher marginal bone loss in group 2 at 6 and 12 months after insertion. Regarding VAS, Group 1 recorded significant lower scores (i.e. high patient satisfaction) of satisfaction compared to normal teeth, the retention of the overdenture, the stability of the overdenture, and comfort with chewing with overdenture than group 2. Regarding OHIP-14, Group 1 recorded significant lower scores of comfort on eating, unsatisfaction with food, interruption of meal and difficulty in function well (i.e. high patient satisfaction) than group 2. No significant difference in other questions of VAS or OHIP-14 was noted between groups.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, E-clip (Gold alloy metal clip) was recommended for SFI bar when used for immediately loaded 4-implant assisted mandibular overdentures