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Missing teeth are often replaced by fixed or removable prosthodontic appliances to improve masticatory function. However, there have been few studies directly determining the influence of prosthodontic treatment on masticatory function. Our aim was to obtain information on the objective and subjective masticatory function of partially edentulous subjects before and after prosthetic restoration. In this way, the improvement of the masticatory function as a result of the treatment could be quantified. The objective and subjective masticatory function of a group of 15 subjects was determined before and after replacement of an average of 3.1 post-canine teeth. The results were compared with data from a control group of 26 subjects having a complete dentition. The total number of occluding post-canine teeth increased as a result of the prosthodontic treatment, yielding a significantly improved objective masticatory function. The average masticatory performance was found to approach the level of the control group if all occlusal units of the longest posterior side were replaced. Subjects with an incomplete dentition tended to chew predominantly on the side of the longest posterior arch. The average subjective masticatory function improved as a result of the treatment. The appreciation of the masticatory function after treatment was equal to that of the control group, despite an average of 2.7 missing teeth. However, no correlation was found between the additional number of occlusal units and the change in subjective masticatory performance. Rehabilitation of post-canine teeth restores some objective masticatory function and leads to an increased appreciation of the masticatory function, although no correlation was found between the changes in objective and subjective masticatory function.

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A method for quantifying the comminution of an artificial test food (Optosil) was evaluated with respect to its suitability for measurements of masticatory performance in complete-denture wearers. Reference was made to subjects with natural dentitions. The description of particle size distributions generated by complete-denture wearers by a Rosin-Rammler equation was subject to limitations, due to the presence of large proportions of almost-intact particles, which had hardly been damaged or broken during chewing. This finding might be explained by: (i) the relatively high fracture strength of Optosil as compared with natural foods; and (ii) the limitations of complete-denture wearers in exerting bite forces. The particle size distributions obtained after repeated measurements and described by linear interpolation of data points were reproducible. In comparison with young adults with natural dentitions, the denture-wearers needed approximately seven times more chewing strokes to achieve an equivalent reduction in particle size.