INFLUENCES OF HOLE DIAMETERS AND CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON THE PUSH-OUT FORCE OF LOCATOR ATTACHMENT HOUSING IN 3D-PRINTED OVERDENTURE

Abstract

The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the push-out force of LOCATOR attachment in 3D-printed overdenture with different hole diameters and chemical treatments. The attachment housings were attached to 3D-printed denture base with 3 hole diameters (1, 2, and 4 mm) and 2 chemical treatments (No treatment and treatment with methyl ethyl ketone). The push-out force of each specimen was evaluated and analyzed with 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). The results of the study revealed that: 1) The results of push-out force revealed no significant 2-way interactions. 2) the hole diameter had a significant effect on the push-out force, with the 2-mm hole diameter group exhibiting a significantly higher mean push-out force compared with the 1- and 4-mm groups. 3) chemical treatment showed no significant effects. Optimizing the hole diameter to 2 mm could significantly enhance housing retention within the denture base, whereas the chemical surface modification evaluated did not provide a significant mechanical advantage.

Keywords: Push-out Force, Denture Attachment, Hole Diameter, Chemical Treatment