Variation in the masseteric silent period in older dentate humans and in denture wearers

The masseteric silent period was elicited by chin taps at 40% clenching in the masseter muscle of the preferred chewing side in 22 younger dentate individuals, in 22 older dentate individuals, in 22 older experienced denture wearers and in 7 older inexperienced denture wearers. One simple and three combined types of silent period (combination of early and late phases of depression) were recorded in all groups. An early silent period was always elicited, the only exception being in some inexperienced denture wearers. Both the age and the extent of rehabilitation with dentures in the trained denture wearers affected reflex latencies (p < 0.05), while the variation in duration was not significant (p > 0.05). The duration of the silent period was, however, affected by the type of silent period, thus by the measuring technique (p < 0.05). Increased variation was observed in the inexperienced denture wearers, who were in a period of adaptation.