Masticatory Performance and Maximum Bite and Lip Force Depend on the Type of Prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Dental science
• Gerontology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Masticatory function is crucial for overall health and quality of life.
• Dental status significantly influences chewing efficiency and oral forces.
• Understanding the relationship between oral forces and masticatory performance is vital for prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess maximum restraining lip force (MLF) and maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) in individuals with varying dental states.
• To evaluate the influence of MLF, MBF, and patient-related parameters on masticatory function.
• To compare masticatory performance across groups with complete removable dental prostheses (CRDP), two-implant overdentures (IOD), partial removable dental prostheses (PRDP), and fully dentate individuals.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 68 participants (average age 69.3 years).
• Measurement of MLF using oral screens and MBF with a digital force gauge.
• Assessment of masticatory performance via a two-color mixing ability test.
• Statistical analysis including Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• MLF varied with oral screen size and increased with CRDP use.
• Dentate participants exhibited the highest MBF.
• Masticatory performance differed significantly between groups, with PRDP users performing better than CRDP users.
• Dental state, time since tooth loss, and MBF were significant predictors of masticatory function.

Conclusions:

• Tooth loss substantially impairs MBF and masticatory performance.
• Implant-supported overdentures and certain partial prostheses may restrict MBF and chewing efficiency.
• Optimized CRDP design is recommended to support perioral muscular function.