[Determination and analysis of masticatory performance of unilateral free-end removable partial denture]

In this study, the changes of masticatory performance of 30 cases (18 males, 12 females) wearing unilateral free-end removable partial dentures were studied before wearing, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after wearing by using the light absorption method and peanuts as test food. The results showed: 1. The masticatory performance before wearing unilateral free-end removable partial denture was predominantly lower than that of normal control group. The more teeth lost, the lower unilateral masticatory performance was observed. When the number of lost teeth was few, patients compensated and maintained their masticatory performance before swallowing. 2. The masticatory performance was gradually improved with wearing denture period increasing. 3. Factors relating to the masticatory performance were sex, the extent of alveolar bone resorption and age. Except sex, the extent of alveolar bone resorption and age factors were negative correlative with the masticatory performance; However the number of occlusal units lost, chewing habit and the kinds of denture base materials had no relation to the masticatory performance.