Chewing efficiency and occlusal forces in PMMA, acetal and polyamide removable partial denture wearers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Dental prosthetics
• Materials engineering

Background:

• Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a common material for removable partial dentures (RPDs).
• Acetal (AC) and polyamide (PA) offer alternative thermoplastic materials for RPDs.
• Limited research exists on comparing chewing efficiency and occlusal forces across different RPD base materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare chewing efficiency and occlusal forces in patients wearing RPDs made from PMMA, PA, and AC.
• To test the hypothesis that denture base material significantly affects chewing efficiency and occlusal force.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 30 patients wearing RPDs made of PMMA, PA, and AC in a randomized sequence.
• Each denture type was worn for 90 days.
• Chewing efficiency and occlusal forces were measured at 7, 30, and 90 days using sieving and dynamometry.

Main Results:

• Dentures made of PMMA and acetal led to significant increases in chewing efficiency and occlusal force.
• No significant changes in these parameters were observed over the 90-day wear period.
• No significant correlation was found between chewing efficiency and occlusal forces.

Conclusions:

• Denture base material significantly influences food fragmentation (chewing efficiency) and occlusal forces.
• Materials with a lower modulus of elasticity, such as PA and AC, are associated with reduced chewing efficiency and occlusal forces compared to PMMA.