One-Piece Mini Dental Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: 10-Year Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of a Non-Comparative Longitudinal Observational Study.

This study presents the first 10-year follow-up investigation of the implant survival and peri-implant outcomes of one-piece mini dental implants (MDIs) retaining mandibular implant overdentures (IODs), including marginal bone level alterations (ΔMBLs), clinical peri-implant parameters, and complications. Twenty participants with horizontally atrophied mandibles received complete dentures and four MDIs (diameter 1.8 mm) at baseline. The dentures were converted into IODs with O-ring attachments. The 10-year follow-up comprised a radiological assessment of ΔMBLs, peri-implant parameters, as well as biological and technical complications. Results from a 10-year follow-up of 14 participants showed a 100% implant survival rate for all 56 implants. The mean ΔMBL after 10 years was -1.12 ± 0.80 mm, with 49 implants classified as successful (ΔMBL < 2 mm) and 7 implants with satisfactory survival (ΔMBL 2-4 mm). Time after implant placement significantly influenced ΔMBL, with stable MBLs after 5 years. The prosthetic survival rate after 10 years was 93%. ΔMBLs were not influenced by implant position or gender but were significantly smaller in subjects older than 65 years. Conclusively, one-piece MDIs with O-ring attachments offer a reliable treatment option for horizontally atrophied mandibles after 10 years, with high implant and prosthetic survival rates, potentially benefiting from advanced age regarding peri-implant bone stability.

Fabrication of a mandibular implant-retained overdenture using an existing subperiosteal implant: A clinical report.

A 64-year-old edentulous woman with a mandibular fracture received a subperiosteal implant for fracture fixation and dental rehabilitation. However, the ball abutments were submerged by the soft tissue because they were too short. Therefore, we designed a connector to lengthen the attachment and achieve adequate stability and retention for the overdenture.

Mandibular overdentures when treating failing dentition with immediate prosthetic loading.

Patients may present with failing mandibular dentition either involving the entire arch, partial arch that currently has a partial denture to replace the prior missing teeth or wearing a full denture. Finances may limit restoration of the arch with an All-on-X concept and the patient's goals are a stable prosthesis that does not move whenconcept and the patient's goals are a stable prosthesis that does not move when eating or speaking is the patient's expressed goal. Overdentures can fulfil that goal and provide a stable restored arch at a lower treatment cost than treatment with a fixed hybrid prosthesis. Traditionally, when these type cases have been treated, the remaining dentition has been extracted, depending on availability of bone, implants are placed. Those typically were left to osseointegrate and loaded several months later with a delayed loading approach. This requires relining the denture and the patient having a loose, non-stable prosthesis during that healing phase. An alternative approach utilizes immediate activation of the implants with overdenture attachments thus, providing an immediate stable retentive full arch mandibular removable prosthesis (overdenture) by immediate activation of overdenture attachments (ie.Locators) aids the patient in their goals without delays in treatment. This article will present two case examples of mandibular arches with failing dentition related to caries and periodontal issues and their treatment with immediate implant placement and loading with Locator attachments. Long-term follow-up of 1-year 8-months in one case and 33-months in the other case demonstrate crestal bone stability with this immediate overdenture loading protocol.

Enhancing oral function: A case report on mandibular overdenture utilization with custom-made subperiosteal implant.

Subperiosteal implants, previously set aside because of complications, are now emerging again as effective treatments for severe mandibular atrophy, aided by recent improvements in digital dentistry. Traditional dentures in such cases often face challenges with support and retention, necessitating complex regenerative procedures. This paper presents a case report of a 54-year-old male patient with significant mandibular atrophy who received a custom-made subperiosteal implant, showcasing promising results. The implant was precisely designed utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans, a 3D-printed model, the selective laser melting (SLM) technique, and constructed with biocompatible Ti6Al4V material. This innovative approach offered a practical solution, resulting in high patient satisfaction and no complications over a year of use.

3D printing vs traditional workflow for the fabrication of mandibular implant overdentures: study protocol for a mixed-methods cross-over RCT.

BACKGROUND: Complete tooth loss is a significant global oral health issue, particularly impacting older individuals with lower socioeconomic status. Computer-assisted technologies enhance oral healthcare access by the elderly. Despite promising in vitro reports on digital denture materials, evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is lacking to verify their performance. This cross-over RCT will investigate whether 3D-printed implant-retained mandibular overdentures (IMO) are more satisfactory for edentulous seniors than those made through traditional methods. METHODS/DESIGN: We will recruit 26 completely edentulous participants (any sex/gender) based on the following eligibility criteria: age ≥ 60 years, no tooth extraction in the past 12 months, two implants in the lower jaw, and need for new dentures in both jaws. Each participant will receive two denture pairs, either manufactured by 3D printing or traditionally, to be worn in a random order. A timeline of 3 months with each denture pair will be considered for outcome assessment (total: 6 months). Patient satisfaction with dentures will be measured by the McGill Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire. We will evaluate other patient-reported outcomes (including oral health-related quality of life) as well as clinician-assessed quality and cost. At the end of the trial, participants will choose which denture pair they wish to keep and interviewed about their experiences with the 3D-printed IMO. The quantitative and qualitative data will be incorporated through an explanatory mixed-methods strategy. A final quantitative assessment will happen after 12 months with the preferred IMO to assess the long-term performance and maintenance needs. DISCUSSION: This mixed-methods RCT will explore patient experiences with 3D-printed IMOs, aiming to assess the potential for altering clinical practice and dental public health policies. Our results will inform policies by showing whether 3D printing offers comparable outcomes at lower costs, facilitating greater access to oral care for the elderly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06155630, Registered on 04 December 2023. https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT06155630.

An Innovative Technique for Assessment of Bone Change, Bite Force, and Retention of the Single-Implant-Supported Mandibular Overdenture: A Clinical Study.

This study is the first study to incorporate a novel approach to single-implant-retained mandibular overdenture with a bar attachment on a single implant in the symphysis region. The use of a single-implant-retained bar overdenture significantly improved patients' chewing efficiency, indicating enhanced overdenture retention and stability. Materials and Methods: Ten maxillary and mandibular completely edentulous patients were enrolled in the study. A complete denture was fabricated for them. On completion, bite force, retention force, and bone change were recorded. Bite force was recorded with the strain gauge, retention force with the force measurement gauge, and bone changes with radiographs. Conclusion: Single-implant-supported bar mandibular overdenture (SISBOD) can be a suitable standard economic option for edentulous mandible and can greatly improve the quality of life of patients.

Comparison of Man Hours Utilized for Mandibluar Overdenture Treatment Retained by Single Implant with Bar Fabricated by CAD-CAM Process and Conventional Casting Processs - An Vivo Study.

Introduction: Both the population's average life expectancy and the number of patients without teeth are rising. A 2012 epidemiological survey in India found that 30% of the population is edentulous. The rehabilitation process with a set of removable maxillary and mandibular complete dentures is the standard treatment for patients who are edentulous. This study is the first to incorporate and compare a novel approach to a single implant-retained mandibular overdenture with a bar attachment fabricated by CAD-CAM and a casting process on a single implant in the symphysis region. Method: Five maxillary and mandibular completely edentulous patients were enrolled in the study. Results: Significant difference was seen in the conventional laboratory time and CAD-CAM time as P < 0.05. Conclusion: Compared to the conventional casting process, the single implant-supported bar mandibular overdenture (SISBOD) with a novel bar required fewer man hours and was more convenient.

Complete Removable Denture Retained by a Symphyseal Single Implant: A Case Report.

Complete denture is a real challenge for any practitioner. The aim of implantology is to optimize prosthetic balance and ensure that prostheses are perfectly integrated from a bio-functional viewpoint, despite an unfavorable anatomophysiological context. Here, we present a case managed in our department concerning a mandibular complete removable denture retained by a medial symphyseal implant. A 61-year-old fully edentulous mandibular patient with a Kennedy Applegate class I edentulous maxilla in good general health consulted for the renewal of his mandibular complete denture, which was deemed unstable and non-retentive. The exo-oral examination was normal. The mandibular crest was heavily resorbed, especially posteriorly, and covered with slightly inflammatory fibromucosa. The patient refused bone augmentation surgery. We performed a piezographic mandibular prosthesis retained by a single standard implant at the level of the mandibular symphysis. The prosthesis was stable and retentive. Masticatory comfort and efficiency were satisfactory and the psychological integration of the prosthesis was improved. Several studies have shown that a single symphyseal implant is a therapeutic alternative that completes the therapeutic range in specific cases. It should be limited to the mandibular arch in elderly patients with reduced bone volume. Given the lack of randomized controlled trials, routine use of this new approach is not recommended, and further studies are required.

Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing oral yeasts growth in individuals wearing implant overdentures: A systematic review of clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to systematically review clinical studies that investigated the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing oral yeasts growth (OYG) in individuals wearing implant overdentures (IO). METHODS: The focused question was "Is aPDT effective in reducing OYG in patients wearing IO?" Literature search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions up to and including January 2024. Clinical studies were included; and letters to the Editor, case-reports/case-series, perspectives/commentaries, in-vitro/ex-vivo studies, studies on animal models and expert opinions were excluded. The risk of bias was also assessed. RESULTS: Two clinical studies were included and processed for data extraction. The study population comprised of 100 (mean age: 58.5 years) and 53 (mean age: 58.5 years) individuals. The numbers of males and females included in these studies ranged between 33-35 males and 18-67 females, respectively. In both studies, follow-up evaluations were performed after 60 days. In both studies, aPDT was performed using a 660nm diode laser at a power of 100 mW and using methylene-blue as photosensitizer. Results from both studies showed that aPDT is effective in significantly reducing oral yeasts CFU/ml and improvement of OHRQoL of individuals using IO. CONCLUSION: The aPDT is useful in reducing OYG on IO; however, further well-designed and power-adjusted studies are needed in this area of research.

Comparison of Implant-Retained Overdenture and Conventional Complete Denture: A Survey Study to Measure Patients' Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Dental School Clinics.

Patient satisfaction and quality of life are integral to assessing oral health care quality. For many Americans still using conventional complete dentures (CD) or Implant Retained-Overdentures (IOD), it remains essential to consider improving their oral health outcomes and quality of life. Due to inexperienced student dentists providing dental care to dental school patients, patient grievances are generally considered a problem. Patient feedback and satisfaction have proven valuable resources for monitoring and improving patient safety. While CD and IOD are the two leading treatment options for edentulism, more comparative studies in the literature need to compare their outcomes in a school setting. The research question that guided this comparative analysis was, "Is patient satisfaction and quality of life affected by the type of prostheses and provider?" A validated questionnaire was mailed to 520 individuals selected from records of patients who had received treatment for edentulous mandible at a student prosthodontic clinic at the [redacted for peer review] from 2014 to 2016 with at least one year of follow-up time. A validated questionnaire for edentulous patients based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-19) was used. In addition, information on patients' oral health-related quality of life, including questions related to the edentulous patients' satisfaction with their dentures, was collected. The response rate was 33% (N = 171). The study's findings confirm previous findings, suggesting that IODs may significantly impact oral health-related quality of life. Data show that 76% of the IOD group reported improvement in experience when using the implants to retain the mandibular denture. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the OHIP scores between overall CD and IOD patient groups. Males with IOD had lower physical pain, limitations, and concerns associated with a social disability and handicap domains. Comparing users who had experiences with both treatment options, this study discerned essential characteristics that contribute to increased patient satisfaction with IOD and identified significance in outcomes by gender. These findings guide prosthodontic practitioners' patient care practices and identify a continuing need to discuss CD and IOD treatment protocols within dental school curricula.

Influence of implant distribution on the biomechanical behaviors of mandibular implant-retained overdentures: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess stress distribution in peri-implant bone and attachments of mandibular overdentures retained by small diameter implants, and to explore the impact of implant distribution on denture stability. METHODS: Through three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (3D FEA), four models were established: three models of a two mandibular implants retained overdenture (IOD) and one model of a conventional complete denture (CD). The three IOD models consisted of one with two implants in the bilateral canine area, another with implants in the bilateral lateral incisor area, and the third with one implant in the canine area, and another in the lateral incisor area. Three types of loads were applied on the overdenture for each model: a 100 N vertical load and a inclined load on the left first molar, and a100N vertical load on the lower incisors. The stress distribution in the peri-implant bone, attachments, and the biomechanical behaviors of the overdentures were analyzed. RESULTS: Despite different distribution of implants, the maximum stress values in peri-implant bone remained within the physiological threshold for all models across three loading conditions. The dispersed implant distribution design (implant in the canine area) exhibited the highest maximum stress in peri-implant bone (822.8 µe) and the attachments (275 MPa) among the three IOD models. The CD model demonstrated highest peak pressure on mucosa under three loading conditions (0.8188 Mpa). The contact area between the denture and mucosa of the CD model was smaller than that in the IOD models under molar loading, yet it was larger in the CD model compared to the IOD model under anterior loading. However, the contact area between the denture and mucosa under anterior loading in all models was significantly smaller than those under molar loading. The IOD in all three models exhibited significantly less rotational movement than the complete denture. Different implant positions had minimal impact on the rotational movement of the IOD. CONCLUSION: IOD with implants in canine area exhibited the highest maximum stress in the peri-implant bone and attachments, and demonstrated increased rotational movement. The maximum principal stress was concentrated around the neck of the small diameter one-piece implant, rather than in the abutment. An overdenture retained by two implants showed better stability than a complete denture.

Immediate versus Non-immediate Loading Protocols for Reduced-diameter Implants Supporting Overdentures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to compare the influence of immediate and non-immediate loading protocols on overdentures retained by reduced-diameter implants(≦3.5mm). METHODS: Electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clinical outcomes of immediately and nonimmediately loaded reduced-diameter implants supported overdentures. The risk of bias within and across the studies and the certainty of evidence were assessed by RoB 2.0 and GRADE, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was performed by eliminating studies at high risk of bias, and repeating the data synthesis employing the randomeffect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the implant diameter and the length of follow-up. RESULTS: Six RCTs with 255 patients were included in this systematic review. The meta-analyses found similar implant survival rates between immediate and nonimmediate loaded implants in mini implant (RR=0.98; 95% CI=0.95, 1.01; p=0.12) and narrow implant subgroups (RR=0.99, 95% CI=0.94, 1.03, p =0.56), as well as in short-term (RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.97, 1.00, p =0.11) and long-term (RR=0.97, 95% CI=0.93, 1.01, p =0.09) follow-up subgroups. Additionally, marginal bone loss (MBL) showed no statistically significant difference between the loading protocols in the subgroup of long-term follow-up (MD=0.03; 95%CI=-0.16, 0.23; p=0.74). Three RCTs investigating peri-implant parameters found relatively higher modified plaque index and probing depth in reduced-diameter implant under immediate loading. CONCLUSION: Compared with non-immediate loading, the immediately loading protocol can achieve comparable survival rates and MBL in reduced-diameter implant retained overdentures.

Single lateral implant for mandibular overdentures as a fallback solution or a viable treatment alternative: Four case reports.

This report of four clinical cases aims to illustrate the use of a lateral implant as a solution for implant overdentures in the mandible in different clinical situations. The first two cases describe the clinical situations of patients wearing two-implant mandibular overdentures until the failure of one of the implants, one due to implant loss and the other due to a fracture of an abutment screw, and how the conditions were managed. The third case illustrates the placement of a single implant to retain an overdenture, where a midline implant, as originally planned, was not feasible due to anatomic reasons. The final case describes the use of a lateral implant to support and retain a single-implant mandibular overdenture. The four cases demonstrate that a single lateral implant can be utilized as sole retention in cases of a failing contra-lateral implant and as an alternative to a single implant in the midline.

Mandibular Overdenture Supported by Two or Four Unsplinted or Two Splinted Ti-Zr Mini-Implants: In Vitro Study of Peri-Implant and Edentulous Area Strains.

Clinical indications for the newly released Ti-Zr (Roxolid®) alloy mini-implants (MDIs) aimed for overdenture (OD) retention in subjects with narrow alveolar ridges are not fully defined. The aim of this study was to analyze peri-implant and posterior edentulous area microstrains utilizing models of the mandible mimicking a "real" mouth situation with two (splinted with a bar or as single units) or four unsplinted Ti-Zr MDIs. The models were virtually designed from a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a convenient patient and printed. The artificial mucosa was two millimeters thick. After MDI insertion, the strain gauges were bonded on the oral and vestibular peri-implant sites, and on distal edentulous areas under a denture. After attaching the ODs to MDIs, the ODs were loaded using a metal plate positioned on the first artificial molars (posterior loadings) bilaterally and unilaterally with 50, 100, and 150 N forces, respectively. During anterior loadings, the plate was positioned on the denture's incisors and loaded with 50 and 100 N forces. Each loading was repeated 15 times. The means with standard deviations, and the significance of the differences (two- and three-factor MANOVA) were calculated. Variations in the MDI number, location, and splinting status elicited different microstrains. Higher loading forces elicited higher microstrains. Unilateral loadings elicited higher microstrains than bilateral and anterior loadings, especially on the loading side. Peri-implant microstrains were lower in the four-MDI single-unit model than in both two-MDI models (unsplinted and splinted). Posterior implants showed higher peri-implant microstrains than anterior in the four-MDI model. The splinting of the two-MDI did not have a significant effect on peri-implant microstrains but elicited lower microstrains in the posterior edentulous area. The strains did not exceed the bone reparatory mechanisms, although precaution and additional study should be addressed when two Ti-Zr MDIs support mandibular ODs.

Occlusal equilibration and muscle activity in fixed versus removable mandibular implant supported overdenture.

OBJECTIVES: Single denture rehabilitated patients have negative appraisals regarding oral function, mostly associated by stability and retention issues regarding mandibular prosthetics. Therefore, this study assessed patients' occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) receiving milled removable or fixed mandibular implant retained prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two edentulous mandibular ridges patients were randomly distributed into two groups based on the definitive prosthesis received. Group I: Removable mandibular implant-supported overdenture, Group II: Implant retained fixed prosthesis. Occlusal equilibration was evaluated utilizing Occlusense, muscle activity via Electromyograph (EMG) at delivery, after one, and three months. The OHRQoL was evaluated by Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-19) before delivery and after follow-ups. Data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed, utilizing independent t-test and One-way ANOVA followed Tukey`s post-hoc test. Significance level set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Groups I &II showed significant improvement in occlusal equilibration, muscle activity and OHRQoL. Group II demonstrated significantly higher improvement than group I in occlusal equilibration associated with muscle activity after 1 month, and in functional limitations domain in OHRQoL questionnaire after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Implant retained mandibular prosthesis showed improvement in occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL regardless of prosthesis type employed. Fixed implant-supported prosthesis revealed better outcomes than removable mandibular implant-supported overdenture concerning occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL regarding functional limitations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Implant retained mandibular prosthesis is one of best treatment options for single mandibular completely edentulous patients, as dental implants improved occlusal equilibration, muscle activity, and OHRQoL.

Tooth-Supported Overdentures Revisited.

The goal of prosthodontics is to provide a functional prosthesis to restore aesthetics, functions, and masticatory efficiencies. Tooth-supported overdentures are one of the treatment options for removable dentures. This article aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tooth-supported overdentures and the principles of using various overdenture attachments, including non-attachment overdentures. The common treatment options in preparing the overdenture abutment are either with or without abutment coping with or without attachment systems, which were discussed and illustrated. A range of tooth-supported overdenture systems were addressed, from low to high financial implications and treatment complexities. The clinician can choose a system that best fits the patient's condition and expectations. This allows clinicians to decide and consider tooth-supported overdentures as a treatment option before full edentulism. A well-executed tooth-supported overdenture ensures the preservation of alveolar bone, optimizes patient satisfaction in denture treatment, and eventually improves the patient's adaptation when transitioning to complete dentures.

Proof of Concept of a New 3D-Guided System for a Single Implant Overdenture in the Mandible: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the precision and efficiency of a novel guide system for single implant placement in the mandibular symphyses and to evaluate whether the outcome is affected by the level of operator experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 implants were placed in three different mandibular cast types (Cawood and Howell class III, IV, and V). For each model, a complete denture was 3D printed. A polyether ether ketone rail with a guide sleeve was embedded in the middle of the denture. To determine the ideal implant position, the sleeve could be moved in a buccolingual direction. Adjustment of implant angulation was possible, and an angle correction of 0, 12, or 24 degrees was available. A total of 30 clinicians were divided into three groups: group 1 (experienced, n = 10), group 2 (beginner, n = 10), and group 3 (inexperienced, n = 10). Each clinician was asked to plan and perform a guided flapless implant placement in the mandibular symphysis. Two preoperative CBCT scans were taken; the first was to verify the planning, and the second was to adjust the planning if needed. Finally, a postoperative CBCT scan was taken to compare the planning to the final implant position. RESULTS: Based on the first CBCT, the clinicians adjusted their planning by an average of 1.66 ± 1.65 mm coronally, 2.41 ± 2.44 mm apically, and by a mean angular correction of 6.08 ± 0.77 degrees. After implant placement, the mean deviation from the planned implant position was 0.87 ± 0.58 mm at the coronal aspect and 0.98 ± 0.64 mm at the apical aspect. The mean angular deviation was 6.05 ± 0.71 degrees. Overall, there were no significant differences in coronal and apical deviation (P > .05) based on the level of experience. In terms of angulation, a significant difference was found in both planning (P = .049) and placement (P = .038) between beginners and experienced clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Guided implant placement of a single implant in the mandibular symphysis using a removable denture with guide sleeve had an acceptable level of accuracy. Clinicians with limited experience spent more time on the procedure, resulting in less angular deviation during implant planning and placement compared to experienced clinicians.

Single Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: A Literature Review.

The absence of teeth, known as edentulism, poses considerable obstacles in prosthodontic care and greatly affects a person's well-being. Conventional complete dentures frequently lead to problems like instability and insufficient retention, especially in the lower jaw. Fortunately, the introduction of dental implants has transformed the way we approach edentulous patients, as they now offer support and enhanced retention for removable prostheses, thus revolutionizing their treatment. While a consensus exists on using two implants for retaining mandibular overdentures, the associated cost may be prohibitive for economically disadvantaged individuals. As a solution, the concept of single implant-retained mandibular overdentures has emerged, catering to individuals with limited financial resources and complete tooth loss. This review explores the efficacy and suitability of the single implant overdenture approach, along with an overview of treatment options for edentulous patients, including traditional dentures, tooth-supported overdentures, and implant-supported overdentures. The preservation of bone, improvements in functional abilities, and psychological benefits associated with overdentures are discussed. Moreover, various classifications and prosthetic options for implant overdentures, specifically for mandibular cases, are presented. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of possible treatment options and focus on the single implant-retained mandibular overdenture approach and its implications in prosthodontic rehabilitation for edentulous patients.

3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing of Single- Implant Overdentures. A Randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Mandibular single-implant overdenture is a well-established treatment modality for the management of completely edentulous patients. The use of CAD/CAM printing technology to fabricate complete dentures and overdentures is burgeoning. The trial aimed to clinically evaluate 3D-printed single-implant overdentures and compare outcomes to those of overdentures manufactured using conventional techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed. Twenty-eight participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Participants in the control group received conventionally manufactured single-implant overdentures, while participants in the printed group received digital light processing (DLP) printed single-implant overdentures. An evaluation was conducted to assess the rates of implant survival and success, as well as overdenture survival and success, along with the measurement of maximum biting force (MBF) over a one-year follow-up period. Data was collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical significance was determined using a two-sided p-value with a threshold of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The printed denture group had higher implant survival (100%) and success rates (92.8%) compared to the conventional denture group (85.7% survival, 85.7% success). Overdenture survival and success rates were 100% in the printed group and 78.6% in the conventional group. Both groups showed a significant increase in maximum biting force (MBF) at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up (P<0.001). The printed group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in MBF compared to the conventional group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed mandibular single-implant overdentures may represent an alternative to conventionally fabricated ones.

Effect of bar designs on peri implant tissues health in implant-supported removable prostheses: a systematic review.

Different characteristics of bars (cross-sectional shape, diameter, distal extension etc.) lead to different biomechanical behavior (retention and stress) with implants and peri-implant tissues.Aim: To evaluate the impact of implant-supported removable prostheses bar designs in fully edentulous arch (in the maxilla and/or mandibula), with 4 implants or more, on the peri-implant soft and hard tissues.Two reviewers searched for observational studies, RCT and in vitro studies, published on five main databases and three from the grey literature, without restrictions on November 2023.Of the 3049 selected articles, four met the inclusion criteria. Four RCT evaluated peri-implant health tissues in full edentulous arches with 4 or 6 implants rehabilitated with implant bar overdentures. One prospective study with 5 years follow-up evaluated the success/survival rate of implants and implant bar overdentures. Overall, 261 subjects were enrolled in our systematic review with 1176 implants. Overdentures' survival rate was 100%. There was a trend that plaque indices and gingival indices were low in all of the studies, however no statistical analysis was done due to the lack of information.Due to the lack of information in the included studies, we cannot confirm if bar characteristics affect the peri-implant tissues health.