Comparative prosthetic outcomes of two bar attachment systems in mandibular two-implant overdentures: A 5-year pilot study.

Over 5 years, both bar-locator and bar-clip attachment systems demonstrated reliable mechanical performance and clinical longevity. The bar-locator system was associated with a higher overall maintenance burden. In contrast, bar-clip overdentures required relining more frequently, reflecting distinct long-term maintenance profiles rather than differences in durability. These pilot findings support the feasibility of a larger randomized trial and highlight the need for future studies incorporating patient-reported outcomes, cost-effectiveness analyses, and time-to-event assessments of prosthetic maintenance.