Combination syndrome in relation to osseointegrated implant-supported overdentures: a survey

Thirteen patients who had worn a maxillary conventional denture and mandibular osseointegrated implant-supported overdenture for at least 3 years were evaluated for subjective assessment of fit of the maxillary denture, occlusal integrity, and the status of the anterior maxillary residual ridge. The findings of this study support the view that this combination of prostheses can result in perceived loosening of the maxillary denture, loss of posterior occlusion, increased anterior occlusal pressure, and anterior maxillary bone loss, similar to the effects seen in Combination Syndrome. It is therefore important to ensure that where an implant-supported mandibular overdenture is planned for the edentulous patient, some form of stabilisation of the maxillary arch is also considered.