One-Year Multicenter Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing OT Equator® and Locator Attachments to Retain an Early...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Implant-retained overdentures offer improved stability and function for edentulous patients.
• Choosing the appropriate attachment system is crucial for long-term success and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of the OT Equator® and Locator attachment systems for early-loaded implant-retained overdentures.
• To evaluate implant survival, prosthetic success, complications, marginal bone loss, patient satisfaction, and periodontal parameters.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 42 patients.
• Patients received either OT Equator® (test group) or Locator (control group) attachments after implant placement.
• Outcomes assessed included implant/prosthetic success, complications, bone loss, satisfaction, and periodontal health.

Main Results:

• One implant was lost in the Locator group; no implants were lost in the OT Equator® group.
• No prosthetic failures occurred in either group.
• Loss of retentive caps was the most common complication; OT Equator® showed statistically lower periodontal parameters.

Conclusions:

• Both OT Equator® and Locator attachment systems are suitable for retaining implant-supported overdentures.
• OT Equator® attachments demonstrated a potential advantage in maintaining periodontal health.
• Further research may explore long-term comparative outcomes and patient-reported functional benefits.