Evaluation of Masticatory Efficiency Based on Denture Design, Period of Edentulism and Gender

Abstract

Purpose: To compare masticatory efficiency (ME) as an indicator for difference between barassisted overdenture versus fixed detachable denture wearers and an indicator for the effect of gender and period of edentulism. Materials and Methods:Twenty patients, 11 males and 9 females, were divided into two groups. Group I received fixed detachable overdenture assisted by four implants mounted by the all-on-four concept. Group II received mandibular implant overdenture assisted by extended ballbar overdenture. ME was measured after 3 months of denture insertion (T1), six months (T2), and one year (T3).Result: there was a significant increase of ME between both prosthetic design groups at T1 (p=0.004). In group I, there was a significant increase in ME through all time intervals (p<0.01 and p=0.027 for T1-T2, T1-T3, and T2-T3 respectively. For group II, there was a significant increase in ME between T1-T2 (p=0.031). At T3, there was a significant increase in ME for patients kept edentulous for less than a year before restoration and two-year edentulous patients before restoration ( p< 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Also, there was a significant increase in ME for two-year edentulous patients compared to patients who stayed more than two years edentulous before restoration (p=0.02). Males revealed an increase of ME at T3 compared to female groups (p< 0.001). Conclusion:Within the limitation of the study, ME revealed a better prognosis with fixed detachable denture wearers. Male has better ME prognosis. ME revealed better prognosis with patients have shorter period of edentulism before denture insertion.