Purpose: We investigated and compared the stress distribution within one- and two-piece mini-implants for overdentures with three different attachments (ball, Locator, and magnet) and two different diameters using three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) analysis and a monotonic bending test. The goal was to identify the most beneficial implant attachment system design for mini-implant overdentures with a lower risk of implant fracture.
Methods: Twelve 3D FE models simulating a mandible segment with one- and two-piece mini-implants with different attachment systems, diameters, and overdentures were created using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software. Vertical and oblique forces (45° to the longitudinal axis of the implant) of 100 N were applied to the dentures. The stress distribution was analyzed. A bending test was performed on a mini-implant (Locator, 2.4 mm) using a testing machine to quantify the load at yield stress.
Results: One-piece mini-implants showed lower maximum stress compared to two-piece mini-implants. Among the three designs, the magnet attachment systems showed the maximum stress. The maximum von Mises stress occurred at the neck of the implants, which was surrounded by cortical bone in all models, and under both loading conditions.
Conclusions: Focusing on the attachments and one- and two-piece designs of mini-implant overdentures using CAD models to reduce confounding factors affecting the stress distribution, we concluded that one-piece mini-implants tended to show lower stress compared to two-piece mini-implants. Mini-implant overdentures with Locator and ball attachments demonstrated lower stress within the implants compared to those with magnet attachments under vertical and oblique loading conditions.
Keywords: Dental attachments; Finite element analysis; Implant overdenture; Mini-implant; Stress distribution.