Abstract:

Severe resorption of the alveolar ridges often makes it very difficult for patients to wear conventional dentures due to the lack of retention and stability of the dentures. Implant-supported overdentures offer edentulous patients a better retained and more stable prosthesis resulting in improved chewing ability and patient satisfaction compared against conventional complete dentures. There exist various attachment systems to be used with overdenture prostheses and are available in the market. However, the efficiency of implant-supported overdentures and effects of these attachment types on patient satisfaction and quality of life is still investigated by researchers. Implant-supported overdenture has become the standard option for the care of edentulous patients. However the number of implants to be placed and the type of retention mechanism for overdenture fixation to be used remains as a matter of controversy. The aim of this article was to evaluate the use of different types of attachments and their effects on marginal bone loss and patient satisfaction and to review the technical complications associated with their use.

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