Evaluation of quality of life and denture retention of mandibular overdentures using low profile versus self-aligning attachments in completely edentulous patients with limited interarch space. A randomized clinical trial

Aim Clinical evaluation of the effect of using low profile versus self-aligning attachment mandibular over-denture on oral health related quality of life and denture retention.

Material and Methods Forty-two patients were carefully selected, complete dentures fabricated, then two implants were placed in the canine region for each patient. Low profile attachments were used in group I and self-aligning attachments in group 2.

Results Regarding oral health-related quality of life, there was a statistically significant improvement. Regarding overdenture retention, the low profile attachment group showed statistically significant higher retention force compared to that of the self-aligning group at the time of insertion; however, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups at the 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion Both types of attachments offer good oral health-related quality of life for completely edentulous patients with limited inter-arch space. Regarding overdenture retention, low profile attachments presented higher retention values than self-aligning attachments at the beginning of the study but faster retention loss than self-aligning attachment over time.