Trial reportJournal of Indian Prosthodontic Society2026
Clinical comparison of ball and socket and locator attachments in implant-assisted cast partial denture: A randomized clinical trial.
Trial report in Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
aimTo compare the functional, mechanical, biological, and patient-reported outcomes of ball & socket versus locator attachment systems used in implant-assisted cast partial dentures (IACPDs). SETTINGS AND
designThis randomized clinical study included patients with Kennedy Class I and Class II mandibular arches. A total sample size of 20 patients was determined, and allocation to attachment groups was performed. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used with a radiographic stent for treatment planning, which was subsequently utilized as a surgical guide for implant placement. Prosthetic rehabilitation was carried out using IACPDs designed with Exocad® software (Darmstadt, Germany). MATERIALS AND
methodsFollowing implant placement, patients were rehabilitated with IACPDs incorporating either ball and socket or locator attachments. Outcomes were assessed at a 6-month follow-up. Functional parameters: masticatory efficiency. Mechanical parameters: wear of acrylic teeth, nylon ring wear, framework fracture, and dislodgement of the metal retentive housing. Biological parameters: marginal bone level changes assessed using CBCT and soft-tissue health evaluated using periodontal indices. Patient-reported outcomes: assessed using a structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All collected data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS Version 26 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Independent t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
resultsNineteen participants completed the study (10 in the ball and socket group and 9 in the locator group), as one participant was lost to follow-up. Functional outcomes: Masticatory efficiency showed a statistically significant improvement in the locator attachment group when analyzed using an independent t-test (P < 0.001). Mechanical outcomes: Mechanical complications assessed using Fisher's exact test revealed no significant intergroup difference (P = 0.370). Biological outcomes: Marginal bone levels decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up within both groups; however, intergroup comparison using the Mann-Whitney U test showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.584). Periodontal indices demonstrated a statistically significant difference favoring the locator attachment group.
conclusionWithin the limitations of this study, implant-assisted cast partial dentures demonstrated favorable functional, mechanical, biological, and patient-reported outcomes, with locator attachments showing superior performance compared to ball and socket attachments.
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