Prosthetic outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated in order to investigate whether there is a need or advantage to splint two implants in the mandible retaining a hinging overdenture. This study included 36 fully edentulous patients randomly divided into three groups according to the attachment system they received: magnets, ball attachments or straight bars (reference group). None of the implants failed during the whole observation period in any of the groups. After 5 years of observation, the Bar group presented the highest retention capacity and the least prosthetic complications but revealed more mucositis and gingival hyperplasia. Patient satisfaction rated similar for all groups although the Magnet group showed lower retention forces. All patients would repeat the same treatment even though the majority of the Magnet group would prefer a more retentive solution because of limited denture stability.

Thirty-six completely edentulous patients were enrolled for a 5-year prospective study testing the treatment outcome between splinted and unsplinted implants retaining a mandibular hinging overdenture. The patients were randomized into 3 groups of equal size depending on the attachment system used such as: magnets, ball attachments or bars (reference group). Only 1 implant out of the 72 had failed at the abutment stage. Not a single implant failed during the 5-year loading period. The accumulation of plaque was significantly higher for the Magnet than for the Ball group. Bleeding on probing, as well as marginal bone level, attachment level and Periotest values did not statistically differ among the groups, neither at year 1 nor at year 5. However, the Periotest values were significantly lower at year 5 compared to year 1 for all groups, which indicates a higher rigidity at the bone-implant interface. No correlation was found between bleeding on probing and marginal bone loss. We conclude that the connection state of 2 implants retaining a hinging overdenture did not influence the peri-implant outcome.

The increased numbers of initial/ white spot lesions combined with poor OH found in the CLP group predispose for an increased risk of further development to carious cavitated lesions. Taking into consideration that the majority of those patients were under orthodontic treatment, the application of an intensive individualized oral health preventive program, focused on remineralisation of the initial caries, is imperative.

The results showed a pattern of colonization in children similar to that previously found in adults. Differences in the profile between age groups suggest a gradual maturation of the oral microbiota, with it being made up of an increasing number of Orange and Red complex species.

The detection and management of non-cavitated caries is an essential aspect of preventive dentistry. Therefore, the EAPD encourages oral health care providers and caregivers to implement preventive practices that can arrest early caries and improve individual and public dental health.