title: Effects of superstructure type and design on force transmission via implant-stabilised mandibular prostheses.
abstract: Forces to which individual implant units are subjected when an implant-stabilised mandibular over-denture is loaded have been measured using a carbon-fibre reinforced epoxy resin replica of an edentulous mandible mounted in a loading rig which simulated physiological conditions. Three different retentive designs were used; ball attachments, a fixed-fixed bar cranked anteriorly, and a similar design with posterior cantilevers. Forces exerted on the implants were measured using resistance strain gauges mounted on their trans-mucosal abutments and the dentures were loaded at individual tooth positions with a strain gauge beam. Ball attachments were associated with the lowest detected forces on the abutments. It is concluded that variations in superstructure design affect the forces transmitted by implants stabilising a complete mandibular over-denture, when the mandible is suspended and loaded in a physiological manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: el-Sheikh
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hobkirk
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kelleway
mesh_terms: D001732:Bite Force; D002244:Carbon; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D000044:Dental Abutments; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible
chemical_list: D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D002244:Carbon