Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare patients’ satisfaction with mandibular overdentures retained by three-
splinted implants versus conventional complete denture wearers during a 7-year follow-up study period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty edentulous male patients (mean age: 60 years) were carefully selected and
divided into two equal groups. All patients received a new set of complete dentures. Group I patients received three
implants in the anterior mandible and were connected after 3 months with bars, clips, and loaded. Group II patients
received conventional complete dentures. Patients’ satisfaction was recorded for both groups at 3 weeks (baseline)
and after 1, 3, 5, and 7 years. Patients were then asked to grade their overdentures/dentures on a visual analog scale
and written questionnaire to evaluate their overall satisfaction.
RESULTS: Satisfaction scores of Group I patients were found to be statistically significantly higher than that of Group
II patients (p < 0.05) at 3, 5, and 7 years follow-up, meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was found at
baseline or after 12 months.
CONCLUSION: The long-term results suggest that three-implant-retained mandibular overdenture with a clip-bar
attachment appears to be a successful rehabilitation strategy which is superior to conventional dentures for patients
with advanced ridge resorption.
