Overdentures using newly designed metal ball attachment containing predetermined gap with stress breakers / 대한치과보철학회지

ABSTRACT

Several types of attachments have been used for implant supported and/or retained overdentures. Locator is one of the stud type attachments and it has been generally used. However, the colored matrix is resilient and vulnerable to wear, so frequent post-insertion maintenance is needed. To solve this problem, it is necessary to introduce innovative attachment system. Overdentures using Air Gap attachment (AGA) has improved masticatory function and facial esthetics. AGA is made of metal, so it could be more resistant to wear or friction than the other resilient attachments. Nevertheless, AGA plays a role in stress breakers because it allows movement during denture movement with predetermined gap. In addition, both pre-existing implants and natural teeth were successfully used for connection of AGA. AGA could replace other unsplinted type of attachments. Overdentures using AGA could provide satisfactory result in terms of function, esthetics and retention. However, long term follow up is needed.