EVALUATION OF BALL TYPE PRECISION ATTACHMENT FOR LOWER CLASS I KENNEDY CLASSIFICATION USING NEW COMPUTERIZED METHOD

Introduction: Several types of attachments are accessible and they have been broadly used with removable partial/complete denture prosthesis, segmented fixed prosthesis. Yet, no single attachment is ideal for every case, so that the appropriate attachment should be selected for each individual situation.
Objectives: To evaluate clinically the effect of using evaluation of ball type precision attachment for lower class I Kennedy classification using new computerized method (Image J program) by using panoramic x-ray and its effect on the bone height and changes at different sites.
Material and Methods: Twelve patients ranged from 45-60 year old. Patients complaining from pain in some teeth, inability to masticate, chewing food and unsatisfactory esthetic. There are multiple missing teeth, the lower arch of the mandibular jaw is class I Kennedy classification without modification, fabrication of upper metallic casted partial denture and lower ball type precision attachment for lower bilateral distal extension Kennedy class I classification. Possessing of the upper and lower prosthesis, finishing, polishing and instruction for the patient.
Results: By comparing between gender grouping by using ball type attachment, showed that the vertical height in the edentulous women were lower than that of the men. The statistical difference was evaluated with a P < 0.05 through t-test which detected between different groups.
Conclusions: The use of ball type attachment for removable partial denture provide good retention support and stability of the partial denture improving function ability of mastication, showing and good esthetic acceptance for both gender groups.