Stern ERA Overdenture Attachment

1. What are the advantages of overdentures versus regular dentures?
Mechanically retained overdentures provide: superior esthetics, stability and comfort, preservation of alveolar bone, a degree of proprioception (if on the roots of teeth), psychological security, and superior chewing efficiency.

2. How does one determine the best root preservation techniques?
In selecting the appropriate attachment the greater the leverage ratio (i.e., weaker abutments the more important it is to select a low profile attachment so as not to greatly increase the leverage ratio.

3. How is an attachment selected?
Resilient or non-resilient
General rules to follow:
a) Normally two resilient attachment prostheses should not oppose each other.
b) Resilient attachments are normally indicated on lower overdentures opposing upper natural dention.
c) If both an upper and lower overdenture are being done simultaneously, resilient connectors should be selected for the lower and non-resilient for the upper. In situations where the stability of the mandibular support area is superior to that of the maxillary support area the reverse is recommended. This procedure should provide maximum function and preservation of abutments, supportive tissue and bone.
d) Generally, select non-resilient attachments for overdentures opposing complete dentures.

4. When should a bar be considered?
The bar is a very useful attachment for complete overdentures, partial overdentures, and removeable bridgework. Bars and female clip systems provide frictional retention. The potential usage of bars was greatly increased and the fabrication simplified with the addition of the plastic bar systems.
Universal hinge with vertical movement.
Fixation:
Male - retained directly in processed denture acrylic or an ERA® Metal Jacket.
Female - cast as part of root cap coping.
Black fabrication male with built-in spacer
Radicular snap.
Males changed without use of autopolymerizing acrylic.
Optional ERA® Metal Jacket holds the attachment male in the denture base and is sold pre-loaded with a black fabrication male.
Black fabrication male and six color coded males for a consistent level of retention. From smallest button diameter to largest button diameter they are as follows..white, orange, blue, grey, yellow and red.
Nylon male, plastic pattern female.