Masticatory performance in complete denture wearers with different occlusal schemes

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: Studies show that edentulism is most prevalent in the elderly, although edentulism overall has been decreasing in its prevalence in recent years. Nonetheless, complete removable dentures have remained the most common modality to manage edentulism. Occlusion is an important part of denture fabrication. However, there is no study that attempts to subjectively and objectively compare Balanced, Lingualized and Monoplane occlusal schemes together. This pilot study will attempt to test the objective difference between Balanced, Lingualized and Monoplane occlusions in complete dentures in mastication. Methods and Materials: Denture wearing patients (30) who came in with one of three occlusal schemes (balanced, lingualized or monoplane) were asked to partake in four tests, two objective and two subjective, to investigate differences between the masticatory ability of the three occlusal schemes. The patients were asked to partake in 2 masticatory tests (Carrots and sieve, and masticatory chewing gum) as well as 2 questionnaires exploring oral health and denture satisfaction. Results: There was no statistical difference in the perceived masticatory ability of the three occlusal schemes by any of the patients that partook in this test. There was also no statistical difference in the objective performance of any of the occlusal schemes when compared to the others. Conclusions: This preliminary study did not find any differences in the patients’ masticatory performance and reported oral health related questionnaires.