Clothing items marked “one size fits all” rarely fit anyone well. Of course we’re not all the same size and shape. That’s also why the same overdenture stud attachment option won’t work for everyone either.
With overdenture stud attachment options, though, there are thankfully a lot more options than that an ill-fitting T-shirt on a discount rack. Your choice can have a significant impact in the quality of life for your patient—in fact, according to PREAT Corporation, two implants in the lower arch can increase functional capacity from 10 percent to 60 percent. How can you decide what solution is best for your patient?
When making this choice, consider the indications of the specific restoration. PREAT makes a variety of attachments, so you can find the perfect fit and solution.
- Have a patient with limited dexterity? PREAT’s Shiner Magnet attachment would be ideal. The attachment measures at just 2.4 mm by 3.9 mm and has just one retention level. Plus, the magnets do not require a direct path of insertion. The strength of the magnet still corrects up to 48 degrees of divergence, but the attachment can be easily removed for daily oral hygiene maintenance.
- For your patients with a restoration in the anterior maxillae, consider PREAT’s Preci Clix attachment. This system, also a small choice at 4 mm by 4 mm, has three different retention levels available and can correct up to 30 degrees of total divergence. The female insert makes a patient-pleasing audible click sound when engaged, assuring the patient that the prostheses is properly seated.
- In cases where you have weaker abutments, PREAT’s O-Ring attachment system would be a wise option. This choice is the most resilient of PREAT’s attachment systems. There are two retention levels available on the 2.5 mm by 4.5 mm system. However, there is minimal angulation correction of only 10 degrees, so note that it would not be appropriate for cases when implant placement is not ideal.
- The most versatile of PREAT’s options is the LOCATOR line, which PREAT says is the most popular attachment system in the world.
The system is indicated for overdentures and partial dentures, retained in whole or in part by endosseous implants in the mandibular or maxilla. The original LOCATOR, also called “Legacy LOCATOR,” can self-align up to 40 degrees. With 8 different inserts available, ranging from 1 to 8 pounds of retention, you can select the best choice based on the specific restoration and patient needs. The nylon male component stays in contact with the abutment, while the housing pivots around the it, reducing abutment wear.
However, even great products can be made better, and the Legacy LOCATOR’s next-generation product is the LOCATOR R-Tx. The LOCATOR R-Tx provides up to 60 degrees of total divergence (or 30 degrees between implants) with 4 different retention inserts. Because of its range, it’s ideal for patients with implants that have divergent angles.
With so many options, you may have questions, and if so, PREAT can help you. Visit preat.com or call 1-800-232-7732.