Prospective study on titanium bar-retained overdentures: 2-year results.

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Bar-retained mandibular overdentures are a common prosthetic solution.
• Titanium is widely used in dental implants due to its biocompatibility.
• Assessing the long-term clinical performance and peri-implant health of such restorations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical suitability of a monometallic concept using titanium bar-retained mandibular overdentures supported by two IMZ implants.
• To assess peri-implant soft tissue health, plaque accumulation, and marginal bone loss over 24 months.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study design with 29 patients receiving titanium bar-retained overdentures on two IMZ implants.
• Regular recall intervals (3 months) for clinical assessments.
• Evaluation of plaque scores (Silness & Löe), sulcus bleeding scores (Mühlemann & Son), and vertical bone loss.

Main Results:

• One out of 58 implants failed within 11 months.
• No significant changes in plaque or bleeding scores at abutments over 24 months.
• High prevalence (89%) of healthy peri-implant soft tissues (sulcus bleeding score zero).
• Significant plaque accumulation beneath the bar was observed, nearly doubling between baseline and 12 months.
• Median maximal vertical bone loss was 1.7 mm after 2 years, with 79% showing bone loss < 25% of implant length.

Conclusions:

• The monometallic concept with titanium bar-retained overdentures on two implants demonstrates clinical suitability.
• Pure titanium may not be ideal for bar clips due to plaque accumulation issues.
• Plaque formation beneath the bar is a primary clinical concern requiring attention.