Mandibular overdentures held by four Locator attachments versus a four-implant bar

Residual Ridge Changes in Mandibular Overdentures Retained by Four Locator Attachments Versus Four-Implant Bar Attachments: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Observational Menoufia University · NCT07093853

This study tests whether mandibular overdentures retained by four Locator attachments or by a four-implant bar better preserve jaw bone in people who have been fully toothless for at least a year.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment22 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorMenoufia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Al Mansurah, Menoufia)
Trial IDNCT07093853 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a 10-year retrospective comparison of residual ridge changes in completely edentulous patients treated with mandibular overdentures retained by either four Locator attachments or a four-implant bar system. Implant positions are standardized (four interforaminal implants placed in the lateral incisor and first premolar regions) to allow direct comparison of attachment mechanics. Key outcomes include posterior mandibular ridge resorption, marginal bone loss around implants, and anterior maxillary ridge changes, measured from radiographic records over a minimum 10-year follow-up. The dataset comes from patients treated and followed at the dental faculty in Al Mansurah/Menoufia with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize confounding factors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have been completely edentulous in both jaws for at least 12 months, received four interforaminal implants in the specified positions, and have at least 10 years of radiographic follow-up.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic bone metabolism disorders, heavy smokers or alcohol abusers, parafunctional habits, implant failures, or implants placed outside the interforaminal region are unlikely to benefit from these specific comparisons.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the attachment type that better maintains jaw bone and long-term denture stability for fully edentulous patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous shorter-term studies show both Locator and bar attachments can work well and have different biomechanical advantages, but long-term direct comparisons using four standardized implants are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Completely edentulous mandible and maxilla for at least 12 months.
* Four interforaminal dental implants placed in the lateral incisor and first premolar regions.
* Opposing maxillary complete denture constructed using a muco-compressive impression technique, with maximum denture base extension and lingualized occlusion.
* Mandibular bone height between 15-25 mm at the symphysis region as measured on panoramic radiograph.
* Minimum 10-year follow-up with adequate radiographic documentation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic diseases affecting bone metabolism.
* Parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism).
* Smokers of more than 10 cigarettes/day or those with alcohol abuse.
* Patients with implant failures, missing follow-up data, or implants placed outside the interforaminal region.

Where this trial is running

Al Mansurah, Menoufia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Bone Loss
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.