Different overdenture attachments designs are available incl

Different overdenture attachments designs are available including bar and clip, ball and O-ring, ERA, and magnet attachments. The selection of the most appropriate system depends on the number, distribution, and location of the remaining natural teeth [3]. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning ensures acceptable long-term performance of the remaining teeth to maintain sufficient bone height and periodontal support [4]. The ball attachment system secretase signaling considered an appropriate, easily constructed and maintained resilient mechanical attachment. Several studies describe the use of either custom made [5–8] or ready made [9] ball attachment.
Materials and methods The age of the patients ranged between 48 and 70 years with a mean age of 59 years. The basic inclusion criteria were partially edentulous patients with one remaining tooth on each side (either canine or first premolars), good oral hygiene measures and patients with proper interarch distance. Fig. 1 Patients with remaining teeth showing grade II or III mobility, crown/root ratio exceeding 1:1, bruxism, uncontrolled systemic diseases, irradiated cancer patients and patients with bad oral hygiene were excluded. The patients agreed with a written informed consent. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975 for medical studies, as revised in 2000 and the study has been independently reviewed and approved by an ethics committee review board at Future University. Patient\'s selection was based on clinical and radiographic examinations using preoperative panoramic view.
Results Statistically insignificant difference resulted in all tested parameters. Either with different gender nor for upper and lower arch overdentures, before attachment placement, one month and one year post attachments placement. Statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction was recorded, before attachment placement, one month and one year post attachments placement. Tables 2 and 3.
Discussion Overdentures improve biting force, chewing efficiency and minimize alveolar bone resorption than do conventional complete dentures [11,12]. Moreover the negative psychological aspect of patients losing their teeth has been well documented [13–15]. Teeth retained overdenture therapy is an alternative treatment seldom preferred in today\'s insistent marketing for implant dentistry. In a few reported literature [16–18], tooth supported overdentures are retained by stud attachments. Most of the reported cases in the literature for using different stud attachments are implant supported/retained overdentures [19–22]. The keystone of success for an overdenture treatment is the selection of strategic abutments with endodontic and periodontal therapy to receive the attachment [6]. In the present study at least one teeth either canine or premolars were present bilaterally to insure symmetry of the attachment. A proper interarch distance was kept in mind and the abutment teeth were prepared to create adequate space for the ball attachment and the overlying denture. The prefabricated metal posts exhibit more advantages over the customized cast posts. The exact fit made by special drills and higher strength in the cross-sectional area beside it only requires minimal enlargement of the canal space, hence they strengthen the tooth rather than weaken it. The prefabricated metal posts transmit less stresses to the supporting structures and absorbs more of the transmitted forces [23]. The use of ball attachments provides a superior retention as well as it acts as shock absorbers and stress redirectors. It is effortless to insert/remove and it is convenient for most of the patient. The metal OT cap attachment system is considered to be a good resilient attachment for overdentures [24]. In the majority of people, oral health plays an important role in quality of life [22,25,26]. The type and quality of prosthodontic rehabilitation in edentulous patients can be considered major aspect of oral health. The present study used the oral health impact profile index (OHIP-14) as a shortened 14-item questionnaire to assess the impact of using teeth supported overdenture utilizing pivot attachment on the quality of life. The index measures people\'s opinion of the social impact of oral disorder and rehabilitation on their well-being and it is one of the most frequently used instrument nowadays [27].