Mini vs. standard implants for mandibular overdentures: A randomized trial

A mandibular implant-retained overdenture is considered a first-choice treatment for edentulism. however,some aspects limit the use of standard implants-for example,the width of edentulous ridges,chronic diseases,fear,or costs. this randomized trial compared mandibular overdentures retained by 2 or 4 mini-implants with standard implants,considering oral health-related quality of life (ohrqol),patient satisfaction,and complications such as lost implant. in sum,120 edentulous men and women (mean age,59.5 ± 8.5 y) randomly received 4 mini-implants,2 mini-implants,or 2 standard implants. participants provided data regarding ohrqol and satisfaction until 12 mo. clinical parameters,including implant survival rate,were also recorded. both 2 and 4 mini-implants led to better ohrqol,compared with 2 standard implants. treatment with 4 mini-implants was more satisfying than 2 standard implants,with 2 mini-implants presenting intermediate results. implant survival rate was 89%,82%,and 99% for 4 mini-implants,2 mini-implants,or 2 standard implants,respectively. overdentures retained by 4 or 2 mini-implants can achieve ohrqol and satisfaction at least comparable with that of 2 standard implants. however,the survival rate of mini implants is not as high as that of standard implants (clinicaltrials.gov nct01411683). © international & american associations for dental research 2015.