Methods: Edentulous patients (n= 44) received one set of new complete dentures. After adaptation period (30 days), the subjects were randomized and assigned to 2 protocols, as follow: protocol 1- DA use during the first 15 days, followed by the no use of DA over the next 15 days; protocol 2- no use of DA during the first 15 days, followed by use of DA over the next 15 days. The kinesiograph instrument K7-I (Myotronics Research Inc., Seattle, WA) was used to record opening and closure movement limits, freeway space, chewing cycle and pattern of maxillary complete denture movement during chewing after each period of 15 days. Data were analyzed using the parametric “paired sample t-Student” (α = .05).
Results: There were no significant differences for opening and closure movement limits and freeway space with or without DA use. However, DA use produced an increase (1.7 mm) on mandibular vertical movement during chewing and a lower intrusion (.3 mm) of the maxillary complete denture during chewing (paired t test; p < .05).
Conclusions: It can be concluded that the use of a DA in complete dentures wearers changes mandible movements, with increases in vertical mandibular movements and lower intrusion of maxillary complete denture during chewing.