Occlusal force transmission by overdenture attachments.

This investigation utilized a composite photoelastic model to examine the load-transfer characteristics of several overdenture attachments. Tissue bar (Hader and King Connector) and stud (extracoronal) attachments (Rotherman, Gerber, and Ancrofix) were studied. The following observations may provide guidelines for the selection of overdenture attachments. 1. The more retentive tissue bar and extracoronal attachments produced higher stress concentrations. 2. Of the tissue bars tested, the Hader Bar produced less torquing forces on the abutment teeth. 3. The Ancrofix appeared to share the forces of occlusion between abutments and the posterior edentulous regions. 4. It must be emphasized that several other factors will also influence the choice of overdenture attachments, such as the judgment of the dentist, economics with respect to the patient, and the availability of laboratory expertise.