Comparison of masticatory function between subjects with three types of dentition.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an oral rehabilitation program on masticatory performance and ability as a function of the number of masticatory cycles. Subjects with a mandibular fixed implant-supported prosthesis (ISP), complete dentures (CDs), or a natural dentition (ND) were evaluated.

Materials And Methods: Masticatory performance was tested with an artificial test food (Optocal). Optocal was provided to subjects in two portions of 17 cubes and collected after both 20 and 40 masticatory cycles. The particles were collected on stacks of eight sieves. The geometric mean diameter of the chewed particles was calculated using the sieves. Questionnaires were used to assess masticatory ability before and after the fixed mandibular rehabilitation program. The geometric mean diameter of the chewed particles was compared by two-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test (P < .05).

Results: The geometric mean diameter for all groups was lower after 40 cycles versus 20 cycles. When compared to the ND group, masticatory performance for the CD and ISP groups was 12% and 28% after 20 cycles and 31% and 61% after 40 cycles, respectively. The data for the masticatory ability of the ISP group before and after fixed mandibular rehabilitation were compared by the McNemar test (P < .05), and showed that 100% of these subjects were satisfied with their chewing capacity after fixed mandibular rehabilitation.

Conclusions: These results quantify the differences in masticatory function among different types of dentition. Greater masticatory function for fixed mandibular rehabilitation versus CDs was demonstrated.