Bite force and oral function in complete denture wearers

Abstract

Oral function was evaluated in complete denture wearers by using a questionnaire, clinical examination and bite force measurements. Ten patients with satisifactory and ten with unsatisfactory dentures were studied and six of the latter patients were reexamined 1 year after the insertion of new dentures. The bite force values were compared with those obtained in ten dentate controls. No significant differences in bite force were found between the satisfactory and unsatisfactory denture groups. Individual values varied much in both groups. The six patients re-examined were satisfied with their new dentures and thought they had improved chewing but no significant increase of bite force was found. The maximal bite force was 5-6 times greater in the dentate subjects than in the denture wearers. Edentulous persons are very handicapped in masticatory function and even clinically satisfactory complete dentures are poor substitutes for natural teeth.

Association of bite force with ageing and occlusal support in older adults

“…The previous studies with varied measuring methods indicated that maximal bite force was 5-6 times greater in the dentate subjects than in the denture wearers. 32 It suggested directly that stronger occlusal force needs natural teeth supported with periodontal tissue, and artificial teeth over mucous membrane of residual ridge is not sufficient for the recovery of bite force. In addition, it suggested indirectly that occlusal contacts between maxillary and mandibular teeth activate oral function by masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints, and so on.…”

Changes in bite force and chewing efficiency after denture treatment in edentulous patients with denture adaptation difficulties

“…Prosthodontic literature and teaching presuppose that there is a close connection between the quality of dentures and the functional capacity but not all studies have been able to verify this (Haraldson, Karlsson & Carlsson, 1979;Laine, 1982). It is well known from clinical experience that there is a group of edentulous persons who have severe difficulties adapting to complete dentures, even if the technical quality of the dentures is high.…”

Photoelastic analysis of stresses transmitted by complete dentures lined with hard or soft liners

“…Under these conditions, all mandibular dentures were axially loaded with 10 kgf (98 N). Maximum bite force for denture wearers ranges between 7.03 kgf (69 N) and 14.57 kgf (142.9 N) according to previous studies [21][22][23].…”