A randomised trial on simplified and conventional methods for complete denture fabrication: masticatory performance and ability.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a simplified method to a conventional protocol for complete denture fabrication regarding masticatory performance and ability. METHODS: A sample was formed by edentulous patients requesting treatment with maxillary and mandibular complete dentures. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group S, which received dentures fabricated by a simplified method, and Group C (n=21 each), which received conventionally fabricated dentures. After three months following insertion, masticatory performance was evaluated by a colorimetric assay based on chewing two capsules as test food during twenty and forty cycles. Masticatory ability was assessed by a questionnaire with binary answers and a single question answered by means of a 0-10 scale. A third group (DN) formed by seventeen dentate volunteers served as an external comparator. Groups were compared by statistical tests suitable for data distribution (α=0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were assessed for three months (twenty from Group C and nineteen from Group S). Groups C and S presented similar masticatory performance which corresponded to approximately 30% of Group DN. Results for masticatory ability showed similarity between S and C, regardless of the assessment method, although an isolate questionnaire item showed more favourable results for the first group. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified method for complete denture fabrication is able to restore masticatory function to a level comparable to a conventional protocol, both physiologically and according to patient's perceptions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although masticatory function is impaired by the loss of natural teeth and dentures can restore only a fraction of such function, patients can benefit from a simplified protocol for complete denture fabrication to the same extent they would by conventional techniques.

Masticatory efficiency in class II and class III dentofacial deformities.

Masticatory efficiency may be impaired in individuals with dentofacial deformities. The objective of the present study was to determine the condition of masticatory efficiency in individuals with dentofacial deformities. 30 patients with class II (DG-II) and 35 patients with class III (DG-III) dentofacial deformity participated in the study, all had an indication for orthognathic surgery. 30 volunteers (CG) with no alterations of facial morphology or dental occlusion and with no signs or symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction also participated. Masticatory efficiency was analysed using a bead system (colorimetric method). Each individual chewed 4 beads, one at a time, over 20s measured with a chronometer. The groups were compared in terms of masticatory efficiency using analysis of variance (ANOVA), with the level of significance set at P<0.05. Masticatory efficiency was significantly greater in CG (P<0.05) than in DG-II and DG-III in all chewing tasks tested, with no significant difference between DG-II and DG-III (P>0.05). It was observed that the presence of class II and class III dentofacial deformity affected masticatory efficiency compared to CG, although there was no difference between DG-II and DG-III.

Enamel fluoride concentrations in unerupted third molars and the influence of fluoridated water on caries scores.

Enamel fluoride concentrations in buccal and lingual surfaces were determined in successive layers obtained by the acid etch method. The 48 unerupted third molar teeth were from subjects who had lived continuously since birth in two Brazilian towns (Barretos and Ribeirão Pr-eto) with different fluoride levels in the drinking water but with similar socioeconomic conditions. The DMFT index was determined for children 7-12 years old living in the two towns. Enamel fluoride concentrations were significantly higher in the teeth from the town with higher fluoride levels in drinking water. The children residing in the community with near-optimum fluoride concentration in the water had mean DMFT scores that were less than half those found in the community with a low level of fluoride in the drinking water.