The effects of prefabricated bar design on the success of overdentures stabilized by implants.

Two groups of patients were provided with implant-stabilized mandibular overdentures supported by straight ovoid prefabricated bars with a resilient joint or parallel-sided bars with a rigid joint. Measurements of plaque index, mucosal cuff health and height, marginal bone height, pathology of the denture-bearing mucosa, and patient satisfaction were correlated with the different bar designs. Ovoid bars with a resilient joint between the denture and the bar have been shown to give a slightly increased incidence of problems associated with the denture-bearing mucosa. Furthermore, the only significant mean increase in recession of the mucosal cuff was found on the distal surfaces of the distal abutments in this group of patients.