Swallow thresholds using dentures made on different types of articulator

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Biomaterials science
• Oral rehabilitation

Background:

• Complete dentures are essential for edentate patients to restore masticatory function.
• The choice of articulator used in denture construction can influence functional outcomes.
• Limited research compares the performance of dentures fabricated on different types of articulators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the masticatory performance of edentate subjects using complete dentures constructed on hinge versus free plane articulators.
• To assess patient satisfaction with dentures fabricated using different articulators.

Main Methods:

• A crossover experimental design was utilized with seven edentate subjects.
• Swallow threshold tests were conducted to evaluate particle size distribution of food after mastication.
• Tests were performed three months post-denture insertion.
• A patient preference questionnaire was administered.

Main Results:

• Dentures constructed on free plane articulators resulted in significantly better overall particle size distribution (P < 0.01 to P < 0.0001).
• Achieving this improved particle size distribution required a significantly greater number of chewing strokes (P < 0.04).
• A majority of subjects expressed a preference for the dentures constructed on the free plane articulator.

Conclusions:

• Complete dentures fabricated on free plane articulators demonstrate superior masticatory performance in edentate patients.
• While requiring more effort, the free plane articulator leads to better food breakdown and higher patient satisfaction.
• The free plane articulator is recommended for constructing complete dentures to enhance patient function and preference.