Measuring chewing ability in randomized controlled trials with edentulous populations wearing implant prostheses

In this article, the authors review methods commonly used to measure the masticatory ability of patients wearing conventional and implant prostheses. Measurement approaches are viewed in two broad categories: laboratory based and patient based. The laboratory based measures discussed are mastication time, particle size, force measurements, patterns of jaw movement and electromyographic (EMG) bursts and total EMG activity. Patient based measures include satisfaction and chewing difficulty. Oral health-related quality of life measures and diet/nutrition variables are briefly mentioned. Patient-based outcomes are recommended as the most appropriate variables of masticatory efficiency.