Comparison Between Light- and Non-Light Occlusion on Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Study

To investigate longitudinal occlusal alterations in implant-supported fixed prostheses (ISFPs) with light contact or non-light contact design and to analyze their clinical outcomes observed over a 5-year follow-up period.

This retrospective study categorized implants into two groups based on initial occlusal design: light occlusion group (12 μm articulating film removable at maximum intercuspal position [MIP] between ISFPs and opposing dentition) and non-light occlusion group (12 μm articulating film could not be removed). All participants were evaluated at 6-12 months, 1-3 years, and 3-5 years after ISFPs delivery. Occlusal patterns at MIP and during eccentric movements were monitored using articulating papers of different colors (blue/red) and thicknesses (12 μm/100 μm). Proximal contact loss rates, marginal bone loss, and technical complication rates were also evaluated.

A total of 46 patients with 63 implants were included in this study. ISFPs in both groups exhibited rapid occlusal changes at MIP, characterized by reduced occlusal clearance, increased occlusal contact area, and stabilizing overtime regardless of initial design. Eccentric occlusion showed minimal alterations. Proximal contact loss rates, marginal bone loss, and technical complication rates revealed no significant intergroup differences. Multivariate regression analysis identified initial occlusal design, edentulous type, and implant systems as significant factors influencing the occlusal variation.

Light occlusion on ISFPs was not stable over time, and the occlusal status of ISFPs showed a similar development trend in both groups. Compared with non-light occlusion, the light contact design did not significantly affect the long-term success of ISFPs.

This study was registered in a clinical trial registry (www.chictr.org.cn, no: ChiCTR2400080874).