Effect of complete denture occlusal schemes on masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of two complete denture occlusal schemes on masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force. Two complete dentures occlusal schemes, bilateral balanced occlusion and neutrocentric occlusion, were randomly delivered to 10 fully edentulous subjects (6 males and 4 females with the mean age of 67.3 years old), were referred to graduate prosthodontic clinic at Faculty of dentistry, Chulalongkorn University. The masticatory performance and the maximum occlusal force were obtained using multiple sieve method and pressure sensitive film respectively. Two occlusal schemes were interchanged on the intra-individual denture base. The tests were repeated similarly. Results showed both occlusal schemes demonstrated no significant differences on masticatory performance (p=0.07). The increasing of chewing strokes of both occlusal schemes showed significant differences on masticatory performance (p<0.001). Both occlusal schemes demonstrated no significant differences on maximum occlusal force (p=0.31). In conclusion, complete denture with bilateral balanced occlusion and neutrocentric occlusion demonstrated no significant differences on masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force. However, the more chewing strokes showed better masticatory performance. For clinical implication, Neutrocentric occlusion rendered the same masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force as the golden standard bilateral balanced occlusion. However, the complete denture wearers should be instructed to apply more chewing strokes for a better chewing ability.