Overdentures and fixed prostheses were consecutively placed into 50 edentulous mandibles and were followed for 5 years. During this period of follow-up, 25 overdentures were supported by 68 implants with a success rate of 92.65%, and 25 fixed restorations were supported by 132 implants with a success rate of 90.15%. Postinsertion adjustment in the first year was more common for the overdentures. Thereafter, fixed prostheses had more complications and required more maintenance than overdentures, the average number of recalls per year being 2.27 and 1.57 respectively. The main complications were associated with the peri-implant mucosa, abutment and gold screws, acrylic-resin components, and retentive clips. Overdentures offer an attractive alternative to fixed prostheses in the treatment of the edentulous mandible. Palabras clave: Brånemark implants, complications, edentulous mandible, fixed prosthesis, overdenture