Masticatory movements in patients treated with fixed prosthesis on osseointegrated dental implants in the mandible

Mandibular movements were recorded by means of an optoelectronic system (Sel spot) in 16 complete denture wearers before and after insertion of tissue integrated prostheses in the mandible. Analysis of the single chewing cycle revealed an obvious increase in mandibular velocity and displacement after rehabilitation. The duration of the occlusion phase was also significantly shortened, probably due to the stabilization of the occlusion provided by the fixed implant bridge.