Comparing Mastication Between Lingualized and Conventional Occlusion for Complete Dentures

Conventional complete dentures do not adequately recover the masticatory function. There is a lack of evidence to recommend the occlusal scheme that produces the more positive results in the masticatory function of conventional complete denture wearers. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the masticatory function between 2 types of occlusal schemes for conventional complete dentures in a randomized crossover clinical trial. Methods: One set of conventional complete dentures was fabricated for each participant (n=18). The mandibular denture had interchangeable teeth that allow changing the occlusal scheme (Conventional Balanced Occlusion and Lingualized Balanced Occlusion). Each occlusal scheme was worn for 15 days after randomized follow-up appointments. Tests of masticatory efficiency with two natural test foods (almonds and toasted coffee beans) were carried-out at the end of each period using the specific scheme. A two-way repeated analysis measure of variance was performed to compare differences between the groups (α=.05). Results:There was a significant difference between the masticatory performance of the participants for Lingualized Balanced Occlusion and Conventional balanced Occlusion when coffee beans were the test food. No significant difference was observed when almonds were used. Conclusion: Lingualized Balanced Occlusion produced a significantly better masticatory performance of the participants when coffee beans were the test food. No significant difference was observed when almonds were used. Supported by grant No. 07/02240-8 from the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa de São Paulo - FAPESP.