Maximum bite force after the replacement of complete dentures.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the maximum bite force (MBF) can be improved by the replacement of complete dentures for elderly people. DESIGN: Nine edentulous volunteers, mean age 74.2 (+/- 5.5) years and average denture experience 19.4 +/- 19.5 years (1 to 50 years) had replacement dentures made. After a rehearsal session, MBF was recorded with the old dentures, and with the new dentures immediately at insertion, at 3, 8 days, 2-3 weeks, 1, 2, 3 and 6-10 months post insertion (p-i.). MBF was recorded with the central bearing point method using a full-bridge strain gauge load cell. Data were analysed off-line using the mean of two peak readings per patient per session. RESULTS: The results indicate that MBF tended to be impaired when replacement dentures were first fitted (n.s.). However, this trend reversed during the first month p-i. for patients with a "moderate" lower ridge resorption of Atwood grade 3 or 4 (n = 5). Patients with more severe lower ridge resorption Atwood grade 5 or 6 (n = 4) showed a significantly lower MBF over the entire observation period (p < or = 0.05) and took longer to regain bite strength. Only patients with moderate bone resorption exceeded their pre-insertion level of MBF within the observation period of 6-10 months p-i. CONCLUSION: The present pilot study suggests that, at least for elderly patients with severe bone resorption, delayed improvement of MBF should be expected with replacement complete dentures.