CANTILEVER RESTS - AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE UNSUPPORTED DISTAL CANTILEVER OF OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANT SUPPORTED PROSTHESES FOR THE EDENTULOUS MANDIBLE

Mandibular prostheses supported by implants placed between the mandibular foramina restrict the length of the distally cantilevered components to minimize torque-related stress to the supporting implants. Additional posterior implants used as abutments with rigid attachments better distribute occlusal forces and reduce cantilever torque to the anterior implants. Because of the phenomenon of mandibular flexure, these posterior implants could be subjected to stress-induced microdamage to the bone-implant interface. The use of posterior abutments for support of the cantilever without connection reduces the potential hazard of stress-induced microdamage.