Does number of implants or type of attachment affect patient satisfaction with implant-retained mandibular overdentures?

Aim This study aimed to determine, from the patients€™ perspective, the optimal number of implants and the type of attachment used to support a mandibular overdenture.

Materials and methods This study was conducted with 166 patients who had received new implant-retained overdentures (IODs) in the mandible and conventional total prostheses in the maxilla, and have been using for at least 1-year. Three types of attachment (ball attachment, bar holder, and locator) were connected to either two or four implants. Patients completed the OHIP-14 questionnaire, and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results Patients were, in general, satisfied with their mandibular IODs (OHIP-ADD: 7.07 ±9.09, OHIP-SC: 0.95 ±2.11). While the satisfaction rate was higher for males (P < 0.05), there was no difference for age factor (P > 0.05). Higher satisfaction was observed for 4-implant support (P = 0.014), especially with bar holders (OHIP-SC: 0.13 ±0.43). No difference was found between the locator and ball attachment in prostheses with 2-implant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion Four implant-support, in particular, with bar-holders, exhibited higher satisfaction. There was no difference between locator and ball attachment in terms of patient satisfaction.