Occlusal pressure pattern analysis of complete dentures for evaluation of occlusal adjustment

The purpose of this study was to investigate occlusal pressure patterns of complete denture wearers to evaluate progress of occlusal adjustment of dentures. Thirty three edentulous subjects volunteered to participate in this study. A computer-based device was used to measure occlusal pressure sequence while tapping with their new dentures. The following variables obtained from each occlusal pressure pattern were assessed: Peak Time; Duration from the onset of pressure to the maximum pressure, Unloading Time; Duration from the maximum pressure to the end of pressure, Contacting Duration; Duration from the onset of pressure to the end of pressure, Tapping Cycle; Duration from the onset of pressure to the next onset, Peak Ratio; ratio of Peak Time to Unloading Time. Recordings were performed after the occlusal adjustment at each appointment and continued until denture adjustments were completed. Variables were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni. A significant decrease was seen in Peak Ratio as the occlusal adjustments progressed (p<0.05). Its coefficient of variation was constantly the lowest among variables. The coefficient of variation of Peak Ratio was significantly lower than others at the completion of the adjustment (p<0.05). It was suggested that Peak Ratio was useful for evaluation of occlusal adjustment.