Abstract:
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate retention and stress distribution of implant retained mandibular complete overdenture with locator versus ball and socket attachments. Materials and Methods: mandibular experimental acrylic model and dentures were constructed in in the laboratory of removable prosthodontic department, faculty of dental medicine, Cairo, boys, Alazhar University. Two implants were placed in the corresponding canine areas of the models then dentures were attached to the implants by one of the studied attachment systems (Locator and Ball and socket). models with dentures were divided in to two groups according to the attachment system; (group I ) overdenture with ball/socket attachment and (group II ) overdenture with Locator attachment ; retention was evaluated using universal testing machine and stress distribution was evaluated using strain gauge. Results: The results of the present study revealed that (group II ) exhibited a statistically significant retention when compared with (group I ). While, (group II ) exhibited better but non-significant stress distribution when compared to (group I ) bilaterally and unilaterally. Conclusion: Locator attachment system could provide better retention and stress distribution for implant retained mandibular complete overdenture.