Attachment Systems in Implant-Supported Removable Dentures: Update for Clinicians

Overdentures are tooth-supported complete or partial removable prostheses that are prepared on the remaining natural teeth, tooth roots, or implants in cases with maxillary constriction, vertical dimension loss, and traumatic or congenital jaw defects, whether the supporting teeth are prepared or not. In recent years, dental implants have become a highly successful and widespread treatment option for the prosthetic rehabilitation of completely edentulous patients. In the treatment of patients, fixed restorations can be carried out by placing a lot of implants; nevertheless, making implant-supported removable prostheses is also possible by placing a small number of implants due to existing systemic conditions of the patient, anatomical deficiencies in the jawbones, and high cost. In terms of patient satisfaction, prosthesis stability, retention, and chewing force, implant-supported removable prostheses are more successful when compared with traditional complete dentures. Numerous retentive systems with varying biomechanical characteristics have been developed for the connection of removable overdenture with implants. The study aims to guide clinicians with the current retentive systems and their indications.

Keywords: Dental implant; Removable prosthesis; Prosthodontics; Implant-supported prosthesis