Objective: To compare peri-implant soft tissue changes and retention behavior of Zirconium oxide bar versus Titanium bar retaining two implants mandibular poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) framework reinforced mandibular overdenture.
Material and methods: Ten completely edentulous male patients received two implants in the canine area in the mandible, and the implants were connected with bar attachment. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of bar construction. Group I: Zirconia-bar attachment, Group II: Titanium-bar attachment. Overdentures were attached to the bars with PEEK female housing and opposed by conventional maxillary complete denture. Peri-implant soft tissue health and retention was assessed at the time of overdenture insertion (T0), six months (T6) and twelve months later (T12).
Results: Ttitanium bars recorded significant higher plaque and bleeding scores than those of zirconium bars. Regarding probing depth, titanium bars recorded significant higher pocket depth than that of zirconium bars. In addition, Zirconium bars recorded significant higher retention values than those of Titanium bars.
Conclusion: Using PEEK framework reinforced mandibular overdenture on two implants supported zirconium oxide bar and Titanium bar is considered a promising treatment solution. Zirconium oxide bar showed better results than those of Titanium bar regarding retention and soft tissue changes.