Treatment results with immediate overdentures: an evaluation of 4.5 years

In a controlled clinical trial, 74 patients who required complete immediate dentures were randomly treated with immediate mandibular overdentures on two mandibular canines with or without magnetic attachments or with complete immediate dentures. All were borderline situations for overdenture therapy. The patients were evaluated for 4.5 years after denture insertion. The results demonstrated that 50% of the dentures had been renewed or had required replacement; in this respect, no differences were found among the three groups. In the overdenture groups, 15% of the abutments were extracted; most abutment restorations were replaced or had to be replaced. Two thirds of the magnets were lost or in bad condition. No significant differences were found in relation to patient satisfaction; most patients were satisfied with their dentures. It is the authors' opinion that even though the abutment conditions were disappointing after 4.5 years, mandibular overdenture therapy is indicated in borderline situations because of the 50% reduction in mandibular bone loss found.