The present article aimed to present a standardized protocol for the production of a chewable test material that has been used in masticatory efficiency and performance studies. This chewable material has advantages in respect to its physical properties when compared to other artificial and natural test foods. It is constituted by mixing condensation silicon (58.3% by weight), common plaster (10.2% by weight), alginate (12.5% by weight), solid vaseline (11.5% by weight), tooth paste (7.5% by weight), and catalyst paste (20.8 mg/g), adding also three drops of mint essence. The mixed material is then inserted into an acrylic mould with perforations of 12 mm in diameter and 5 mm in height to produce rounded tablets with those measures after polymerization. It was named "Optocal -Brazilian version". A volume of 3 cm³ is indicated for a chewing test, which corresponds to 12 tablets using the present methodology. The present protocol can make the production of this chewable material easier, helping in its standardization for studies on masticatory function.

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The complexity of rehabilitation for totally edentulous patients makes it necessary to devise treatment strategies that meet the patients' expectations in terms of function, esthetic, psychological, and social aspects. The aim of this study was to i) compare the satisfaction of edentulous patients who had been rehabilitated with implant-supported overdentures and fixed prostheses in the mandible, and ii) assess the technical aspects of the prostheses in relation to patient satisfaction. This was a cross-sectional study involving 30 patients, 15 of whom had been rehabilitated with implant-supported overdentures and 15 who had been treated with fixed prostheses. The patients answered the OHIP-EDENT questionnaire, validated for the Brazilian Portuguese language, to assess satisfaction. Also, patients underwent clinical examination to assess the condition of their prostheses. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney U-test revealed no significant differences in satisfaction between patients with overdentures and those with fixed prostheses. Likewise, Fisher's exact test demonstrated no significant differences in patient satisfaction concerning the condition of the prostheses as evaluated by the prosthodontist. It was concluded that both types of prostheses were perceived as being equally satisfactory by edentulous patients, and that the condition of the prostheses did not influence individual satisfaction in

Retention forces are significantly affected by abutment type because the metal retainer was more retentive than plastics, possibly providing better fixation of the prosthesis in position, and more difficult to remove. After 6 months of simulation, retentiveness of both plastic components was similar. There was no fracture of any component.

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