The purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the amount of peri-implant bone height change and patient satisfaction with two attachments (OT equator with smart box and Ball and socket) for retaining mandibular implant overdenture.
Material and methods: From the outpatient clinic of prosthodontic department, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, fourteen completely edentulous male patients with age between 50 to 65 years were selected. Each patient received two implants loaded via two attachments, placed bilaterally in the canine regions with 10 degree divergence angle. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I: OT equator with a smart box attachment (OT) was used, group II: ball and socket attachments (BS) was used. Digora software was used to assess the amount of vertical bone height change throughout the follow–up period (0, 3, 6 and 12 months). The patient's subjective evaluation of satisfaction using a questionnaire based on the VAS includes speech, chewing, comfort, aesthetics, oral hygiene, and general satisfaction was recorded. The data was collected and statistically analyzed.
Results: Comparison between different groups was performed by using Independent t-test. Regarding qualitative data comparisons were performed by using Chi square test. At the end of a year, OT Equator group demonstrated less crestal bone loss and better satisfaction (P< 0.05) than Ball and Socket group.
Conclusion: when there is up to 10 degree divergence angle (nonparallel) implants, it's preferable to use OT equator with smart box attachment than ball and socket attachment for retaining mandibular overdenture.
Recommendation: Evaluation with greater angles is recommended