Purpose: To evaluate and compare the stress distribution patterns on two implant supported maxillary overdenture with three different attachment systems using a 3D finite element analysis.
Material and methods: The 3D finite element models were prepared using maxillary two implant supported overdenture models with implants placed in canine regions bilaterally. Total three models using three different attachment systems namely Ball, Hader Bar and Locator attachments were used in this study. All the models were loaded bilaterally with an incremental vertical load from 0-100N at increments of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100N.
Results: In cortical bone the maximum von-mises stress of around 12.5 MPa is observed for Bar attachment design and the minimum von-mises stress of around 9.57 MPa is observed for Locator attachment design. In the cancellous bone the maximum von-mises stress of around 3.26 MPa is observed for Ball attachment design and the minimum von-mises stress of around 3.1 MPa is observed for Bar attachment design.
Conclusion: within the limitations of the study it was observed that in cortical bone maximum Von Mises stresses were observed for bar attachments and minimum for locator attachments. In cancellous bone maximum Von Mises stresses were observed for ball attachments and minimum for bar attachments.