A preliminary comparison of masticatory performances between immediately loaded and conventionally loaded mandibular two-implant overdentures with magnetic attachments.

BACKGROUND: Two-implant overdentures (2-IODs) is an expected treatment option to improve the masticatory performance (MP) of edentulous individuals. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to compare MPs between immediately loaded and conventionally loaded mandibular 2-IODs retained by magnet attachments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen participants with edentulous mandibles were randomly assigned to an immediately loaded group or a conventionally loaded group. Each participant received two implants. The immediate group was loaded on the same day as implant insertion, whereas the conventional group was loaded 3 months after implant insertion. Both MP, measured by a color-changeable chewing gum and a gummy jelly, and maximum occlusal force were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after implant insertion. RESULTS: A significantly higher MP, measured by gummy jelly, was observed at the 6-month time-point in the immediate group (P = .034). No significant differences in MP, measured by chewing gum, or maximum occlusal force were observed between the two groups at any time-point. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present study, immediate loading of 2-IODs could improve MP at an earlier time-point than conventional loading of 2-IODs.