PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of distal implant inclination on axial and nonaxial retentive forces of different Locator attachments used to retain mandibular overdentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four duplicate mandibular edentulous acrylic models received 2 implants in the canine areas with 0°, 5°, 10°, and 20° distal inclinations. Experimental overdentures were connected to the implants with Locator extra light retention (Le), Locator light retention (Ll), and Locator medium retention (Lm). For the 20° model, extended range Locator extra-light retention (Lee) and Locator medium retention (Lem) were used. Axial and nonaxial (anterior, posterior, lateral) retentive forces were measured initially and after 540 cycles of denture insertion and removal. Three-way mixed ANOVA was used to analyze axial and nonaxial retentive forces RESULTS: After wear simulation, 20° angulation showed the highest axial retention for Le and Ll while 5° showed the highest retention for Lm; 0° and 5° showed the highest anterior and posterior retention for Lm; 20° showed the highest lateral retention for Le and Ll. For all implant inclinations, Lm showed the highest axial and nonaxial retention, and Le and Lee showed the lowest retention for 10° and 20° inclined implants, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Axial and nonaxial retention of Locator attachments for implant-retained overdentures are significantly affected by the degree of distal implant inclination and the type of nylon inserts. Lm is recommended to retain overdentures when implants have 5° or 10° distal inclination, and Le and Ll are recommended with 20° inclination to maintain high axial and nonaxial retention after wear.