Effect of Resilient Soft Liner and Clip Attachments on Peri-Implant Tissue in Splinted Mini-Implant Retained Mandibular Overdentures

Objective: The aim of this study was to radiographically compare and evaluate, the effects of resilient liner and clip attachments on peri implant bone height change of mandibular overdentures retained by splinted mini implants using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials and Methods: Fourteen completely edentulous patients were selected to participate in this study. Selected patients were divided randomly into two equal groups of seven patients each: Group I: received a mandibular overdenture supported by four mini implants in the interforaminal region of splinted by a cemented bar and retained by clip attachment. Group II: a mandibular overdenture supported by four mini implants in the interforaminal region of splinted by a cemented bar and retained by resilient soft-liner material. Implants marginal bone and residual ridge evaluation was done at the time of denture insertion, six months, and 12 months.
Results: At the end of follow up period, there was statistically significant difference in the marginal bone height changes as group II (bar with soft liner attachment) showed significantly lower marginal bone height changes around the mini implants compared to group I (bar with clip attachment) but showed higher posterior supporting bone height resorption.
Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that Splinting of mini implants with a rigid superstructure to retain lower mandibular overdenture offers successful results over 1-year period. Using soft liner with bar offers less marginal bone loss around the mini implants compared to clip attachment but with more posterior residual bone height loss.