Chewing and swallowing activity of masticatory muscles in patients with a complete upper and a partial lower denture

The chewing and swallowing activity of jaw-closing muscles was studied longitudinally in 30 partially edentulous subjects who were provided with an immediate complete upper and a partial lower denture. Electromyographic recordings of the anterior temporal and masseter muscles were obtained during habitual chewing of apple and during swallowing of saliva and water, before final extractions and 7 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after denture insertion. At the pre-treatment stage, when the patients were chewing with a residual anterior dentition, the mean voltages showed low values compared to findings reported in subjects with a complete natural dentition. After 6 months of denture use, the chewing forces showed significant increases in amplitude, and the increased force of contraction persisted to the 2-year stage. The recordings of swallowing revealed no significant changes in maximal mean voltage during the observation period. However, there was a significant increase in the duration of the swallows after 1 year of denture wearing, which might be related to stabilization of the complete upper denture due to continuing resorption of the maxillary ridge.