EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ATTACHMENTS ON PATIENTS MUSCULAR ACTIVITY

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the electromyographic muscle activity of both the buccinator and temporalis muscles in patients wearing implant supported over-dentures using  different types of attachments namely:  A) Bar attachments. B) Magnet attachments. 
C) locator attachements.
Materials and methods: twenty one patients were selected having completely edentulous upper and lower arches, divided into three groups, group A having implant-supported mandibular overdenture with bar attachment, group B having implant-supported mandibular overdenture with magnetic attachment and group C having implants supported mandibular over denture with locator attachment. In selected groups, the implants were placed in the canine region, muscular evaluation was performed in each phase during the study by using a digital electromyogram (EMG)* Muscular activity, represented by the root mean square value (RMS), was evaluated. 
Results: data obtained from the present study showed that there was no significant difference between attachments according to muscular activity measured.
Within the limitations of this study: it was concluded that: I. In elderly patients, the treatment with 2 inter-foramina implants provides evidence of neuromuscular adaptation towards values of healthy dentate, thus the known benefits of implant placement such as tissue perseverance and improved function are complemented by improved neuromuscular adaptation. II. There was no significant difference between bar, magnet and locator attachments regarding the muscular activities measured.