Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
04:11
Author Spotlight: Insights into an Efficient Murine Maxillary Orthodontic Model Protocol
Published on: October 27, 2023
1.4K
How does mandibular bone atrophy influence the masticatory function, OHRQoL and satisfaction in overdenture wearers?
R M Marcello-Machado1, F Faot2, A J Schuster3
1Graduate Program in Clinical Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|July 26, 2017
Summary
Mandibular bone atrophy negatively impacts masticatory function, particularly swallowing threshold, in patients receiving mandibular overdentures. However, function and satisfaction significantly improve over time, equalizing between atrophic and non-atrophic groups within six months.
Area of Science:
- Dental Implantology and Prosthodontics
- Oral Rehabilitation
- Biomaterials and Biomechanics
Background:
- Mandibular bone atrophy (MBA) significantly compromises masticatory function (MF) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in complete denture wearers.
- The effectiveness of mandibular overdentures (MO) in mitigating these effects, especially in patients with severe atrophy, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare MF, satisfaction, and OHRQoL between atrophic patients (AP) and non-atrophic patients (NAP) before and after MO rehabilitation.
- To evaluate the longitudinal changes in masticatory performance (MP) and swallowing threshold (ST) following MO loading.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal clinical study involving 26 complete denture wearers categorized into AP and NAP based on MBA degree.
- MF assessed using standardized MP and ST tests at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-MO loading.
- OHRQoL and satisfaction measured using the Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL) questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Pre-MO loading, AP exhibited significantly poorer ST compared to NAP across multiple parameters (ST_X50, ME 5·6, ME 2·8).
- Post-MO loading, significant improvements in ST were observed in both groups, with differences between AP and NAP equalizing by 6 months.
- Oral comfort domain scores from DIDL showed initial lower satisfaction in AP, but both groups achieved similar satisfaction levels by 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular bone atrophy significantly impairs masticatory function, particularly the swallowing threshold, but MO rehabilitation leads to substantial improvements.
- Functional and satisfaction differences between atrophic and non-atrophic patients diminish over time, highlighting the efficacy of MO in improving OHRQoL.
- Mandibular overdentures are an effective treatment for patients with mandibular bone atrophy, restoring masticatory function and enhancing patient satisfaction.
