DETERMINATION OF THE RETENTION STRENGTH OF A REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESIS SUPPORTED BY A VARIOUS NUMBER OF MINI-IMPLANTS

Introduction. Retention is one of the most important factors in the successful use of removable dentures supported on dental implants, as well as conditionally removable dentures. In the context of using mini-implants as supporting elements, the number of implants has been proposed as the primary variable affecting denture retention, mechanical stability, durability of use, and patient satisfaction. Methodology and methods of the study. The study aimed to investigate the retention force of retainers for complete removable dentures with fixation on dental mini-implants in different design variants in laboratory conditions. Jaw models with four parallel installed mini-implants were used. O-ring matrix sleeves were fixed to the acrylic plate of the prosthesis. The retention force was determined using a strain gauge, with the maximum load upon detachment recorded in Newtons. For each configuration (1, 2 side by side, 2 opposite, 3 and 4 supports) 10 measurements were performed. Summary of the primary study material. A gradual increase in retention force with increasing number of mini-implants was established: 5.31±1.15 N (1 support), 9.72±1.81 N (2 side by side), 11.90±3.17 N (2 opposite), 18.45±3.31 N (3 supports) and 21.73±2.95 N (4 supports). The ANOVA test revealed statistically significant differences between groups (p