The Effect Of Locator Abutment Height On The Retentive Values Of Pink Locator Attachments: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different Locator abutment heights on the retention of overdentures. This study was conducted using four sets of edentulous mandible analogs with implants positioned at different depths relative to each other (N=40). Two implant-retained overdenture set-ups with Locator attachments at different vertical levels of 0, 2, 4, 6 mm to each other were tested for changes in peak load-to-dislodgement after simulated chewing of six months. Varying heights of Locator abutments had a significant effect on the retentive values of the pink Locator attachments. The results of ANOVA and Tukey HSD showed that the retention of Groups 0 mm and 2 mm was significantly lower than Group 6 mm. In conclusion, a difference in Locator abutment heights between the two implants did not adversely affect retention, therefore clinicians should choose Locator abutments according to the tissue thickness for implants at different levels.