COMPLETELY EDENTULOUS PATIENTS SCREW-RETAINED MAXILLARY COMPLETE DENTURE WITH ELECTRIC WELDED METAL FRAMEWORK VERSUS CAST ONE, PATIENT SATISFACTION ASSESSMENT.

Aim: To evaluate patient satisfaction of electrically welded and cast metal frameworks in the screw-retained implant-supported prosthesis. Methodology: 12 completely edentulous patients received complete dentures; six implants were inserted in maxillary arch. Second-stage surgery was performed following the usual protocol. Shaping abutments were connected to the implants on one side of the arch, and titanium wire was bent and attached to the implants by intraoral electric welding. On the other side, the cast metal framework was performed. Then both cast and welded frameworks were picked up in the complete maxillary denture after their modification. Patient satisfaction was assessed within 2 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months after prosthesis delivery. Results: Throughout the intervals, there was a significant increase in patient satisfaction with the prosthesis, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The intra-oral electric welding is considered a promising treatment option compared to the conventional cast framework regarding patient satisfaction when used under screw-retained implant-supported prosthesis.