Retention of complete maxillary dentures measured as resistance against unilateral occlusal loading

Complete maxillary dentures were tested for their ability to remain in place when subjected to unilateral occlusal loads. The test material comprised five persons, each supplied with three identical dentures. The denture design was based on the principles of 1) functionally determined filling-in of the vestibular sulcus, 2) palatal coverage to the vibration line without post dam, 3) aesthetically governed positioning of the front teeth, and 4) positioning of the lateral teeth in the plane connecting the top of the residual ridge with the central part of the occlusal surface of the antagonizing natural teeth. Resistance to unilateral occlusal loads was measured by means of a miniature bite force sensor. In the pooled material, an average load of 70 N was tolerated before the dentures were dislodged. For a given participant/denture combination, the resistance against dislodgment varied considerably when tested on different days. Marked differences were also found among three identical dentures in one person. The tolerance against unilateral occlusal loads could feasibly be quantified. However, the influence of specific clinical and/or technological factors on denture retention during function should be studied only if strict definitions as to the test conditions are given. These conditions must include the time, person, and denture tested.