Ball attachment (dentistry)

Last updated
Ball attachment (dentistry) Ball attachment (dentistry).png
Ball attachment (dentistry)

A ball attachment is a dental component commonly used in implant-retained and tooth-supported overdentures to enhance prosthetic retention, stability, and function. It consists of a ball-shaped male abutment that fits into a corresponding female housing, creating a mechanical connection that allows controlled movement while maintaining secure placement.

Contents

Design and Components

Ball attachment abutment internal hex regular platform Ball-attachment-abutment-internal-hex-regular-platform.png
Ball attachment abutment internal hex regular platform
Housing cap for ball attachment Housing-cap-for-ball-attachment.png
Housing cap for ball attachment

Ball attachments function as precision mechanical retention devices in dental prostheses. They typically consist of:

Applications in Dentistry

Ball attachments are used in various prosthodontic applications, including:

Implant-Retained Overdentures

Ball attachments are frequently employed in implant-supported overdentures to fix overdenture (ball attachment abutment) or to improve denture retention and function (for bar structure), particularly in cases of complete edentulism. The attachment system allows slight movements, reducing stress on implants while ensuring sufficient stability for mastication and speech.

Tooth-Supported Overdentures

In cases where natural tooth roots are preserved, ball attachments can be placed on prepared roots or post-supported restorations. This approach maintains proprioception (natural sensation), minimizes bone resorption, and enhances denture retention.

Partial Dentures

Ball attachments can also be used in removable partial dentures (RPDs) to provide additional support and retention, particularly when conventional clasps are inappropriate or aesthetically undesirable.

Materials and Types

Ball attachments come in a variety of materials and configurations, each with its own properties. Titanium ball attachments are widely used in implant restorations due to their high biocompatibility and lightweight nature. Gold-plated ball attachments, on the other hand, provide enhanced durability and better frictional control. Some systems incorporate plastic or resilient inserts, which offer different levels of retention and cushioning to improve patient comfort. Additionally, the spherical shape of the ball attachment allows you to adjust the angle of deflection of the implants up to 11 degrees on each attachment

Clinical Procedure

The process of incorporating ball attachments into dental prostheses involves several steps:

  1. Case Evaluation and Planning – Assessment of oral health, bone quality, and prosthetic requirements.
  2. Placement of Implants or Tooth Preparation – Surgical insertion of implants or modification of natural teeth to receive the attachment.
  3. Attachment Installation – Fixing the ball abutment or bar with ball attachment onto the implant or prepared root structure.
  4. Denture Fabrication and Housing Placement – Creating the overdenture with a corresponding female housing.
  5. Retention Testing and Adjustments – Ensuring proper fit, retention strength, and patient comfort.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

References

  1. Shishesaz, M.; Ahmadzadeh, A.; Baharan, A. (December 2016). "Finite Element Study of Three Different Treatment Designs of a Mandibular Three Implant-Retained Overdenture". Latin American Journal of Solids and Structures. 13 (16): 3126–3144. doi: 10.1590/1679-78253212 .
  2. Ortensi, Luca; Martinolli, Matteo; Borromeo, Carlo; Ceruso, Francesco Mattia; Gargari, Marco; Xhanari, Erta; Tallarico, Marco (1 September 2019). "Effectiveness of Ball Attachment Systems in Implant Retained- and Supported-Overdentures: A Three- to Five-Year Retrospective Examination". Dentistry Journal. 7 (3): 84. doi: 10.3390/dj7030084 . PMC   6784476 . PMID   31480546.
  3. Naguib, Amr Ahmed; El Khourazaty, Nada Sherin; El Monaem, Ashraf Abd (10 October 2019). "Cost-Effectiveness of CM-LOC Attachment versus Ball Attachment Retaining Single Implant Mandibular Overdentures". Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 7 (21): 3655–3658. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.816. PMC   6986503 . PMID   32010394.
  4. Gupta, Nimmi; Bansal, Rajesh; Shukla, Neeteesh K. (January 2023). "The effect of ball versus locator attachment system on the performance of implant supported overdenture: A systematic review". Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 13: 44–55. doi:10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.11.001. PMC   9673099 . PMID   36406295.