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Masticatory performance and chewing experience with implant-retained mandibular overdentures
M E Geertman1, A P Slagter, M A van 't Hof
1Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. M.Geertman@dent.kun.nl
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|March 18, 1999
Summary
Implant-retained overdentures significantly improve chewing function and experience compared to conventional dentures. However, better masticatory performance does not always guarantee an improved subjective chewing experience in patients.
Area of Science:
- Dental prosthetics
- Oral rehabilitation
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- The link between objective masticatory performance and subjective chewing experience in implant-retained overdenture (IRO) patients is poorly understood.
- Previous research highlights associations between oral function parameters but lacks clarity on their interrelationships.
- Investigating this relationship is crucial for optimizing IRO treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between masticatory performance and subjective chewing experience in patients with IROs.
- To compare chewing outcomes between different IRO designs and conventional complete dentures (CD).
- To analyze the correlation between objective food comminution and subjective sensory-oral experiences.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial comparing two IRO groups (transmandibular implant [TMI] and IMZ implant [IMZ]) with a CD group.
- Masticatory performance was assessed by measuring the comminution of a standardized artificial test food.
- Subjective chewing experience was evaluated using validated questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Both TMI and IMZ implant-retained overdentures demonstrated substantially better masticatory performance and chewing experience than conventional complete dentures.
- No significant differences in outcomes were observed between the transmandibular implant (TMI) and IMZ implant groups.
- Multiple regression and LISREL analyses revealed no direct relationship between masticatory performance and chewing experience or functional complaints.
Conclusions:
- Implant-retained overdentures offer superior chewing function and experience compared to conventional complete dentures.
- Improvements in masticatory performance do not directly correlate with equivalent improvements in subjective chewing experience, and vice versa.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between objective and subjective aspects of oral function in IRO patients.