Occlusal designs on masticatory ability and patient satisfaction with complete denture: A systematic review

Does occlusal morphology of artificial teeth improve chewing of removable dentures wearers? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review aimed to verify whether anatomic, semi-anatomic, or nonanatomic occlusal morphology of artificial teeth improves the masticatory function of complete or removable partial denture wearers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the PICO strategy, six databases and the grey literature were searched to identify randomized (RCT) and non-randomized clinical trials (N-RCT) comparing masticatory function, in terms of masticatory performance and efficiency, and muscle activity as primary outcomes; and patient-reported results (O) in individuals using removable dentures (P) with different occlusal morphologies of artificial teeth (I/C). Masticatory ability, satisfaction with the prosthetic treatment, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) for RCT and Risk of Bias for non-randomized studies with intervention (ROBINS-I) for N-RCT studies. Meta-analyses were performed to compare primary outcomes and masticatory ability between the occlusal morphologies of artificial teeth of complete or removable partial dentures (α = 0.05). Certainty of the evidence was verified using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (seven RCTs and four N-RCTs) were included. The risk of bias was considered low for two studies, some concerns for five, and high for the last four studies. Meta-analyses showed that removable partial dentures with anatomic artificial teeth improved masticatory efficiency for carrot chewing (MD 6.31; 95% CI [3.39, 9.22], I2 = 0%). However, masseter and temporal muscle activities increased when removable partial dentures with nonanatomic teeth were used (MD -756.97; 95% CI [-892.25, -621.68], I2 = 100%). Masticatory ability was not influenced by occlusal morphology during chewing of all foods in complete denture users: Carrot (MD -0.88, 95% CI [-8.98, 7.23], I2 = 57%); sausage (MD -8.86, 95% CI [-23.05, 5.33], I2 = 71%); apple (MD -5.78, 95% CI [-28.82, 17.26], I2 = 87%); and cheese (MD -4.16, 95% CI [-15.14, 6.82], I2 = 62%). The certainty of evidence for all evaluated outcomes was very low, mainly due to very serious problems found in the parameters of inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the very low certainty of evidence, the occlusal morphology of artificial teeth influences masticatory function. Anatomic teeth improved the masticatory efficiency and muscle activity of removable partial denture wearers. Nonanatomic teeth increased temporal and masseter muscle activity, which negatively affected chewing in removable partial denture users. However, patients using complete dentures with anatomic and semi-anatomic teeth presented similar masticatory ability.

Clinical performance of and patient satisfaction with conventional complete dentures with different occlusal schemes: A systematic review of systematic reviews

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The complete denture occlusal scheme may influence clinical performance and patient satisfaction. However, a consensus on which occlusal scheme should be used for complete denture users is lacking. As a result, many dentists choose the scheme based on their preferences and clinical experience.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review was to assess the methodological quality and summarize the scientific evidence from secondary studies about the influence of occlusal schemes on the clinical performance of and patient satisfaction with complete dentures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten sources were surveyed according to the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) strategy. Systematic reviews that evaluated the clinical performance and patient satisfaction (O) of rehabilitated edentulous patients with conventional complete dentures (P) under different occlusal schemes (I/C) were included. Methodological quality was assessed by using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 tool by 2 authors independently. The effect of each occlusal scheme in comparison with others was summarized and classified as positive, neutral, negative, or inconclusive based on the conclusions of the systematic review concerning clinical performance and patient satisfaction outcomes.

RESULTS

The search led to the inclusion of 10 systematic reviews. Seven were classified as of critically low, 2 as low, and 1 as moderate methodological quality. The following occlusal designs were included and analyzed: bilateral balanced occlusion, lingualized occlusion, canine guidance, group function, and monoplane occlusion. Bilateral balanced occlusion and canine guidance obtained satisfactory results for both outcomes. Lingualized occlusion showed a trend toward better results than other occlusal schemes for normal and resorbed ridges. Group function presented mainly inconclusive results, and monoplane occlusion did not deliver satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present overview concluded that occlusal schemes might interfere with the clinical performance of and patient satisfaction with complete dentures. Lingualized, bilateral balanced, and canine guidance are preferred compared with monoplane occlusion, but lingualized occlusion tends to show better results in some reviews. However, the results should be carefully considered because of the low quality of the systematic reviews included.

Performance of complete dentures fabricated with the simplified and the traditional technique: A randomized clinical trial

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The simplified technique has been recommended for the fabrication of removable complete dentures. However, a consensus regarding the performance of the simplified and the traditional techniques is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the performance of prostheses fabricated with the simplified and the traditional techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty participants were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: traditional technique (control group) and simplified technique (experimental group). The assessments were performed before treatment (baseline) and 2 and 4 months after adaptation to the new complete dentures. The variables evaluated were satisfaction, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) by using the Brazilian version of the OHIP-EDENT, the quality of the prostheses, and, for the functional assessment, the masticatory performance and swallowing threshold. The data were analyzed by the Fisher exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the generalized equations estimating (GEE) method.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean ±standard deviation quality of the prostheses was 5.3 ±2.3 for the traditional technique and 4.9 ±2.3 for the simplified technique, and at 4 months, it was 9.3 ±0.9 and 9.1 ±0.9, respectively. For masticatory performance, the mean ±standard deviation X50 at baseline was 5.7 ±1.4 for the traditional technique and 5.7 ±0.9 for the simplified technique, and at 4 months, it was 3.8 ±1.2 and 3.7 ±0.9, respectively. The mean ±standard deviation OHRQoL at baseline was 14.1 ±8.6 for the traditional technique and 12.5 ±9.4 for the simplified technique, and at 4 months, it was 3.2 ±4.3 and 2.6 ±5.1, respectively. The mean ±standard deviation satisfaction at baseline was 9.5 ±3.9 for the traditional technique and 9.3 ±4.2 for the simplified technique; after 4 months, it was 14.8 ±2.0 for both techniques. There was a significant improvement (P<.05) for all variables in the study when comparing them at the baseline to those at the evaluation after provision of new complete dentures. There was no significant difference in all analyzed variables (P>.05) between the 2 techniques for prosthesis fabrication.

CONCLUSIONS

The simplified technique appears to be a suitable alternative to the traditional technique for the fabrication of complete dentures, with similar performance.

Association between masticatory performance and oral conditions in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To give an overview of the evidence on the associations between oral condition factors and masticatory performance of adults, and to evaluate the direction and level of the associations.

DATA/SOURCES

Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid) and CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost) were searched up to May 2022 for cross-sectional studies on oral conditions and masticatory performance in adults. Methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated based on the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Data on the associations between oral condition factors and masticatory performance were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted on correlation coefficients.

STUDY SELECTION

Of the 8,035 records identified, 97 articles (88 studies) were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 18 studies were included in the meta-analyses. Among the oral condition factors that had associations with masticatory performance, the number of natural/remaining teeth or functional tooth pairs was reported by the largest number of studies, followed by perioral muscle status, dental prosthetic status, oral moisture status and periodontal status. Results of the meta-analyses showed that the positive association with the number of natural/remaining teeth was the strongest (pooled correlation coefficient: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.48 to 0.54), followed by the number of functional tooth pairs, maximum tongue force/pressure, while the association with the oral moisture status was the weakest.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of natural/remaining teeth and functional tooth pairs, perioral muscle status, oral moisture status, dental prosthetic status and periodontal status are the main oral condition factors influencing masticatory performance. Based on the limited evidence available, among these factors, the number of natural/remaining teeth has the strongest positive association, with a very low quality of evidence.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides valuable information on the oral condition factors associated with masticatory performance, which would be important for policymakers and clinical practitioners when deciding on the strategies for improving the masticatory performance of adults. This review highlights the need for standardization of measures and classifications of masticatory performance and oral conditions.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021256824).

Comparative Evaluation of Implants with Different Surface Treatments Placed in Human Edentulous Mandibles: A 1-Year Prospective Study

The aims of this study were to analyze prospectively and comparatively the peri-implant bone crest levels, bone density, stability and success rate of implants with different surface treatments in human edentulous mandibles. Twenty edentulous patients were selected. Four different implants were placed between the mental foramen. Four groups were evaluated: (1) laser-modified surface (LASER), (2) surface modified by laser with deposition of apatites (LASER + HA), (3) surface modified by double acid etching (ACID, Implacil De Bortoli) and (4) surface modified by sandblasting and acid etching (SLActive®, Straumann). Clinical, radiographic, resonance frequency and tomographic analyses were used. After 4 months, mandibular fixed implant prostheses were installed. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed at times T0 (immediately after implant placement), T1 (15 days), T2 (30 days), T3 (60 days), T4 (90 days), T5 (120 days), T6 (180 days) and T7 (360 days), post-implant placement. The resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was measured at T0, T4, T6 and T7. The tomographic analysis was performed at T0, T4 and T7. In the radiographic bone density analysis, a statistical difference was found between the SLActive® and LASER + HA groups at T4 (p < 0.05). Statistical differences were observed in RFA at T4 (90 days), between the SLActive® and LASER groups (p < 0.05) and between the SLActive® and LASER + HA groups (p < 0.05). At T6 and T7, statistical differences were found between the SLActive® group and all other implant surfaces (p < 0.01). The experimental surfaces analyzed showed encouraging positive outcomes compared to those of the SLActive® surface. Long-term follow-up should be performed to confirm these results.

The Neutral Zone Approach with CAD/CAM Record Bases

Lack of adequate retention, support, and stability in the complete denture can be attributed to a poor fit or incorrect shape of the polished surfaces. This article presents a case using the neutral zone technique effectively with the fabrication of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) record bases in an edentulous patient with severely resorbed alveolar ridges and discusses the overall treatment steps and clinical implications of this technique. A stable neutral zone and an accurate jaw relation were recorded using CAD-CAM record bases and stability of complete denture was optimized by arranging denture teeth and reforming polishing surfaces in the neutral zone. A new complete denture was fabricated for a patient with atrophic alveolar ridges by a technique utilizing the neutral zone with CAD-CAM record bases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A randomised crossover clinical trial of masticatory function in complete denture wearers with conventional and lingualised balanced occlusion

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of the present study were as follows: (1) to conduct a randomised crossover clinical trial to evaluate masticatory performance in wearers of conventional complete dentures in both arcs with conventional balanced occlusion (CBO) and lingualised balanced occlusion (LBO), using almonds as natural test food chewed for (a) 30 chewing cycles, (b) 40 chewing cycles and (c) until the subject felt ready to swallow and (2) to perform a randomised crossover clinical trial of oral health self-perception through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

During rehabilitation with full dentures, achieving stability and retention is essential for masticatory performance. A factor that can act is the appropriate occlusal scheme to be used, although the literature is full of discussions as to the most suitable occlusal scheme to be used, being CBO and LBO the most used in complete dentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical trial was conducted with 30 participants (14 males and 16 females; average age 65.8 years). A base of interchangeable posterior teeth in the lower dentures was used, thereby changing the occlusal schemes without needing to make another complete denture. The masticatory tests and GOHAI application were conducted in two sessions: first with each occlusal scheme, and second only after participants did not report discomfort with dentures. The analysis of variance for the mixed repeated-measures test (ANOVA) was used to verify the results (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed no difference in masticatory performance according to the occlusal scheme (P = .519). The masticatory performance increased with the number of cycles (P < .001) tested, regardless of the type of occlusion scheme, and oral health self-perception was higher after the second masticatory evaluation session (P = .027).

CONCLUSION

The masticatory performance was similar between the two occlusal schemes, increasing according to the number of chewing cycles. The adaptive period is relevant, regardless of the occlusion scheme, because the time factor was decisive for the improvements noted in the oral health self-perception of the participants (according to the GOHAI results).

Differences in quality of life and patient satisfaction between complete denture occlusion schemes: A parallel randomized control trial

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Bilateral balanced occlusion has been advocated over nonbalanced occlusion for improved removable complete denture stability and function. However, assessments of quality of life and patient satisfaction studies between the 2 occlusion schemes are lacking.

PURPOSE

The objective of this parallel randomized control trial was to determine the difference in quality of life and patient satisfaction between the nonbalanced and bilaterally balanced occlusal schemes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty participants were included in the parallel randomized control trial of nonbalanced and bilaterally balanced complete dentures. Thirty were recruited into each group with definitive inclusion and exclusion criteria as per the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. Quality of life was estimated from the oral health quality of life (Oral Health Impact profile) for edentulous patients questionnaire, and patient satisfaction was analyzed from a visual analog scale. The estimation was made at 0, 3, and 6 months after denture insertion. The data were statistically analyzed with the Friedman, Mann-Whitney, and t test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean ±standard deviation Oral Health Impact profile score was 60.81 ±8.87 for nonbalanced dentures and 64.12 ±8.98 for bilaterally balanced dentures. The mean ±standard deviation visual analog scale score was 2.84 ±0.28 for nonbalanced dentures and 2.90 ±0.31 for bilaterally balanced dentures. The Mann-Whitney and t test indicated nonsignificant differences between the 2 groups and at different time intervals for Oral Health Impact profile and visual analog scale scores (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study detected no significant differences between the 2 occlusal schemes in quality of life or patient satisfaction.

What Occlusal Scheme Should Be Used with Removable Partial Dentures?

PURPOSE

Multiple clinical studies have been published comparing different philosophies of complete denture occlusion and different types of denture teeth. However, it is unclear whether comparable data are available for occlusal schemes used with removable partial dentures (RPDs). Therefore, this review investigated the dental literature related to occlusal schemes for RPDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search of English language articles was performed using the term "removable partial denture, occlusion" with 765 results. When the term "occlusion in removable partial prosthodontics" was used there were 784 results. Seventy-four articles were identified using the different search term of "RPD, occlusion" while use of the term "occlusal scheme, with removable partial dentures" listed 18 publications. The term "removable partial denture, occlusion, literature reviews" produced 38 potential publications related to the topic. Using the term "removable partial denture occlusion systematic review" resulted in 2 citations. Using the term "RPD occlusion literature review" resulted in one foreign language manuscript whereas using the term "RPD occlusion systematic review" resulted in one article unrelated to dentistry. The term "clinical studies of RPD occlusion" produced 5 results with none related to the topic. There were 23 results using the term "clinical studies of removable partial denture occlusion" with one potentially related to RPD occlusal schemes.

RESULTS

A review of the titles and abstracts revealed 12 articles that appeared to contain specific information about the occlusal scheme used with RPDs. Following a detailed review of those publications, only 4 contained recommendations for RPD occlusion and were included in this review. The available information regarding the recommendations for occlusal schemes in these articles was based on expert opinion. A decision was made to include a hand search of 9 textbooks containing varying amounts of information related to occlusal schemes for RPDs, but no evidence-based references related to RPD occlusal schemes were found in the textbooks. Since this entire review is based on expert opinion, no attempt was made to critique the opinions expressed by these authors but rather to present their perspectives for evaluation by readers.

CONCLUSIONS

The occlusion developed with RPDs should be physiologically harmonious, allowing the supporting structures to remain in a good state of health with functional stress distributed among all the occluding teeth. Multiple authors indicate the occlusion in maximum intercuspation/centric occlusion should incorporate bilateral posterior contacts with no deflective occlusal contacts. When most occlusal contacts on natural teeth are missing, it has been proposed that extension base RPDs have their occlusal contacts developed in centric occlusion. Regarding eccentric occlusal relationships, a balanced occlusal scheme has been recommended by multiple authors with one author advocating use of a lingualized balanced. An anterior guided (canine-protected) occlusion has also been recommended when the canines are present and not periodontally compromised. When RPDs oppose a complete denture, several authors indicate a bilateral balanced occlusion should be used to help stabilize the complete denture.

Comparison of Canine-Guided Occlusion with Other Occlusal Schemes in Removable Complete Dentures: A Systematic Review

Choosing an adequate occlusion is challenging during the construction of artificial dentures, and critical for patient satisfaction. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support which occlusal design is more appropriate. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate canine-guided occlusion in comparison to other occlusal schemes in removable complete denture wearers. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. An extensive search was carried out on (PubMed (National Library of Medicine)), Scopus (Elsevier), Cochrane collaboration (Wiley), Science Direct (Elsevier) and Europe PMC (European Bioinformatics Institute). English and non-English studies were identified using keywords on canine-guided occlusion, denture occlusion, dental occlusion and artificial occlusal schemes. Out of 1759 articles searched, 18 were selected based on the inclusion criteria. The included studies were interpreted for the descriptive analysis for the calculation of occlusal schemes, occlusion assessment parameters, the outcome of the occlusal schemes and types of removable prosthesis used. The systematic analysis of occlusal schemes revealed that canine-guided occlusion is viable compared with other occlusal designs in terms of patient satisfaction, mastication, retention, esthetics, phonetics, oral-health-related quality of life and muscle activity. The type of occlusal scheme influences the complete denture patient’s’ masticatory efficiency, satisfaction, retention, phonetics and esthetics. Nevertheless, physical, physiological, mechanical and psychological factors play a vital role in the success of removable complete dentures. The canine-guided occlusal scheme is preferred because of its simplicity, less time consumption, good masticatory performance, ease of fabrication and modification into bilateral balanced occlusion if required. Further studies are required to reduce the controversies related to jaw relations, gnathology and occlusal schemes in complete dentures.

Complete Denture Occlusion: Best Evidence Consensus Statement

PURPOSE

The occlusal scheme required for an edentulous patient is controversial. The purpose of this Best Evidence Consensus Statement was to evaluate the existing complete denture literature related to occlusal schemes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was limited to Meta-analyses, Systematic Reviews (SR), Randomized Controlled Studies (RCT) and Clinical Trials. Key Words were: Complete dentures, occlusion, harm; Complete dentures, occlusion alveolar bone loss; Complete dentures, occlusion, stability; Complete dentures, occlusion. Additional related articles were culled from the authors' library and reference lists in the articles found in the PubMed searches.

RESULTS

Of the 165 articles that met the initial search criteria, 34 related to the focus questions and were evaluated and rated.

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong support that the average denture patient, with good residual ridges and no neuromuscular problems, will function adequately with a properly fabricated complete denture regardless of the occlusal scheme. There is neither strong support for or against bilateral balanced occlusal schemes as it relates to patient satisfaction, preference or chewing ability. There is some support for increased alveolar bone loss with complete dentures that have a non-balanced occlusion. There is a need for bilateral balanced occlusal schemes for patients presenting with loss of stability and retention as a result of their presenting conditions (PDI III and IV).

Choosing the denture occlusion - A Systematic review

Aim:

The aim of the study is to acquire evidence for the choice of occlusion with anatomic/modified anatomic teeth in complete denture prosthesis.

Settings and Design:

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.

Materials and Methods:

The study reviewed original articles on various occlusal schemes bilateral balance occlusion (BBO), lingual occlusion (LO), Canine guided occlusion (CG), posterior group function occlusion (PGFO) have been applied to the complete dentures and were analyzed for the objective or subjective or both evaluations. The data were collected in standard format with the needed information such as year of publication, type of study, occlusal schemes compared, test methodology used, sample size for experiment and control, assessment of retention, stability, and other factors which determine the quality of life and period of follow-up. The risk of bias was calculated using tools RoB2.0 and robvis. At all stages, the inclusion and exclusion of studies were discussed among the reviewers.

Statistical Analysis used:

Due to the heterogeneity in the data of the included studies no statistical analysis was used.

Results:

Of the 1896 articles screened only 17 studies were included in the systematic review. These were discussed amongst the reviewers regarding the various occlusion schemes used. The subjective and objective criteria used in the studies was tabulated separately. They were then analyzed for the risk of bias using the robvis 2 tool.

Conclusion:

No scheme is more superior to the other with the anatomic tooth forms. The use of alternative unbalanced schemes produces a similar satisfactory clinical outcome. The ridge classification also has a significant role to play in the preference for an occlusal scheme.

Patient satisfaction with occlusal scheme of conventional complete dentures

Occlusal scheme is a controversial topic that has been linked to patient satisfaction with conventional complete dentures (CCDs). This study aimed to compare the patient satisfaction with CCDs with four different occlusal schemes namely the lingualised occlusion (LO), buccalised occlusion (BO), fully bilateral balanced occlusion (FBBO) and partially group function occlusion (PGFO). In this clinical study, new CCDs were made for 121 patients; out of which, 97 patients (mean age of 57.87 ± 9.5 years) completed the 1-year follow-up. The CCD wearers were followed up at 1 month, 3 months and 1 year after CCD delivery. Data were collected via an interview and recorded in a checklist by a blinded examiner. The checklist included the demographic variables, the 19-item version of Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT), and seven 100-mm line visual analogue scales (VASs) to assess the items related to patient satisfaction. The Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests followed by post hoc tests were used to compare the variables among the 4 groups and between the 3 follow-ups. P-value ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. The patients with BO presented higher satisfaction scores for comfort, stability and retention at the 1-year follow-up compared with PGFO. Both PGFO and FBBO groups had higher physical pain scores compared with BO and LO. The psychological discomfort scores of FBBO group were significantly higher than those in LO group. Pairwise comparisons revealed no significant differences in the general patient satisfaction and total OHIP-EDENT scores between the 4 groups. For most items, within-group analysis showed significant improvement of the satisfaction scores and reduction of domain scores over time.

Maintaining occlusal stability by selecting the most appropriate occlusal scheme in complete removable prosthesis

The search of an adequate occlusal scheme that maximizes dentures' stability and patients' satisfaction is an ultimate objective in every complete prosthodontic treatment. Many studies compared occlusal schemes in terms of retention, comfort and masticatory performance. The purpose of this article is to review literature about different occlusal schemes related to complete dentures' stability and edentulous patients' satisfaction, in order to select the most appropriate occlusal scheme. Thus, an electronic search was performed from PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Sciencedirect databases. 65 articles were identified of which 56 were selected to compose the present article. Within the limitations of this review, it has been concluded that edentulous patients prefer anatomic occlusal schemes to non-anatomic teeth. Furthermore, canine guidance seems to be efficace in terms of chewing comfort and dentures' retention, as well as lingualized occlusion. However, bilateral balanced occlusion does not confer a long-term masticatory performance and satisfaction to edentulous patients.

Prospective clinical study of bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO) versus canine-guided occlusion (CGO) in complete denture wearers

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have often discussed occlusal concepts for complete dentures without formulating a recommendation. Various options are available, the most common ones being canine-guided occlusion (CGO) and bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO). We designed a prospective randomized study to compare these two schemes with the goal of formulating a recommendation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients could be evaluated. In a crossover design, they were randomized to a CGO>BBO group and a BBO>CGO group, each starting out by wearing their dentures with the first occlusal scheme for 3 months, followed by a first investigator- and patient-centered assessment. Then, each patient was transitioned to the other occlusal scheme by replacing the denture setup in the dental laboratory, followed by another 3 months of intraoral use and a second assessment. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and marginal homogeneity tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

All statistically significant differences favored the CGO concept. Based on patient ratings, the CGO>BBO group preferred its esthetics (p = 0.02) and the BBO>CGO group its mandibular retention (p = 0.05), phonetics (p = 0.03), and masticatory function (p = 0.01). Based on investigator assessments, maxillary denture retention was found to significantly improve among the BBO>CGO patients after transition to CGO (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, canine guidance can be recommended as a comfortable alternative to bilateral balanced occlusion for complete dentures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This recommendation can reduce the time requirements for the fabrication of complete dentures in dental laboratories.

Success of Complete Denture Treatment, Detailed Investigation of Construction Protocols, Occlusal Schemes and Evaluation Questionnaires

Background/Aim: The successful outcome of conventional complete denture treatment can be defined with the use of both subjective and objective criteria. Denture satisfaction determinants may include denture quality, oral tissue condition, patient-dentist relationship, patient’s attitude toward dentures, patient’s personality and socioeconomic factors. Purpose: The aim of the current review was to identify and analyze the different construction protocols and occlusal schemes that contribute to the success of complete denture rehabilitation through the use of evaluation questionnaires.

Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed through electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed) using the appropriate key words (complete denture construction, complete denture fabrication, complete denture occlusion and complete denture occlusal scheme). The related to the subject scientific papers were selected and evaluated for eligibility utilizing a predefined review process (English, full text articles, published from January 2000 up to April 2017).

Results: None of the analyzed studies identified significant differences between dentures constructed with simplified, CAD/CAM and traditional protocols in terms of general satisfaction and Oral Health Related Quality of Life scales. The same condition applied to the studies which compared complete dentures with bilateral balanced, lingualized, monoplane and canine guided occlusion.

Conclusions: Current scientific evidence suggested that patients could adapt comfortably to any type of bilateral balanced occlusal scheme and to complete dentures been fabricated with all types of complete denture construction protocol. Disease-specific questionnaires could be considered valuable tools and should be used to assess the outcome of any treatment modality.

Patient satisfaction with occlusal scheme of conventional complete dentures: A randomised clinical trial (Part II)

The occlusion of choice is a controversial topic in conventional complete denture (CCD) treatment. This study aimed to compare patient satisfaction with CCD with partially group-function occlusion (PGFO), fully bilateral balanced occlusion (FBBO), buccalised occlusion (BO), lingualised occlusion (LO) and the entire balanced group. Participants received new CCDs with PGFO. All steps of patient enrolment, denture fabrication, assessments during the follow-up period and data collection were carried out exactly the same as part 1 of this research project. All patients were recalled at 1 and 3 months after delivery for data collection using the shortened version of oral health impact profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire and 7 visual analog scales (VASs) for the quality of CCD based on general patient satisfaction, masticatory function, ability to speak, comfort, stability, retention and aesthetics. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test via SPSS version 18.0 (α = 0.05). Thirty participants completed the follow-up period for PGFO group. The mean age ± standard deviation of the new participants was 57.97 ± 6.93 years. Participants reported significantly less satisfaction in terms of comfort, stability and retention of denture with PGFO compared to balanced groups. Also, using OHIP-EDENT questionnaire, significantly higher physical pain score was noted for PGFO group compared to BO and LO. Higher physical disability score was noted in PGFO compared to LO. Participants receiving CCDs with PGFO reported lower satisfaction in terms of comfort, stability and retention of denture and higher physical pain and physical disability than the balanced occlusal schemes.

Short-term changes in chewing efficiency and subjective evaluation in normal dentate subjects after insertion of oral appliances with an occlusal flat table

Oral appliances with an occlusal flat table are used as treatment dentures. However, the short-term effect of insertion of such oral appliances on chewing has not been reported. This study aimed to determine whether experimental and continuous insertion of oral appliances with an occlusal flat table has an effect on chewing efficiency and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) in healthy participants. Ten participants each in the oral-appliance and control (no oral-appliance insertion) groups attended six data collection sessions for 5 consecutive days. Participants answered the OHIP questionnaire and underwent the chewing efficiency test. For each parameter, intergroup differences were investigated in terms of change from baseline to immediately after oral-appliance insertion (0 hour; P < .05) and from 0 hour to 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after oral-appliance insertion (P < .05). There were significant differences between groups in the degree of change in chewing efficiency and OHIP scores for functional limitation, physical pain, physical disability and handicap from baseline to 0 hour (all, P < .001); among these, only OHIP scores for functional limitation and physical pain demonstrated significant differences in degree of change between the two groups at 96 hours after appliance insertion (P = .477 and .275, respectively). Differences between the two groups in the degree of change in other parameters were not significant. Insertion of oral appliances caused a decrease in chewing efficiency and an increase in OHIP scores. Continuous insertion improved functional limitation and physical pain within 96 hours.

Patient satisfaction with occlusal scheme of conventional complete dentures: A randomised clinical trial (part I)

BACKGROUND

Occlusal scheme can affect denture retention, stability, occlusal force distribution, aesthetics, masticatory function, patient comfort and general patient satisfaction with dentures.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the patient satisfaction with 3 types of complete denture occlusion including fully bilateral balanced occlusion (FBBO), newly presented buccalised occlusion (BO) and lingualised occlusion (LO).

METHODS

In this parallel randomised clinical trial, new conventional complete dentures were fabricated for 86 volunteers. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups with 3 different occlusal schemes. All patients were recalled at 1 and 3 months after delivery for data collection. The 19-item version of Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients questionnaire was used in this study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for assessment of the prosthodontist's attitude towards denture quality, patient's attitude towards different occlusal schemes and evaluation of patient satisfaction. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the post hoc Dunn test via SPSS version 18.0 (P ≤ .05).

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients completed the study, and their data were analysed (mean age ± standard deviation = 57.78 ± 9.98 years). The only significant difference when comparing the 3 groups was physical pain, which was significantly higher in FBBO group. No significant differences were found for the VAS scores of patient and prosthodontist satisfaction or the domain scores among the 3 occlusal schemes either at 1 or at 3 months post-delivery. The VAS score of patient satisfaction and prosthodontist satisfaction increased at third compared to first month after delivery.

CONCLUSION

The results of this randomised clinical trial provided evidence that BO is as effective as LO for the fabrication of complete dentures.

Use of Mini-anchors and Rehabilitation with 0° Cusp Angle Teeth Complete Denture in Recurrent Condylar Dislocation: Technical Adequacy and Procedure

AIM

To report a case of association between the surgical treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction and rehabilitation with denture total prosthesis (TP) using nonanatomic teeth (cusp 0°) in patients with anterior recurrent dislocation of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and persistent uncontrolled mandibular movement, showing a technical adaptation and conduct.

INTRODUCTION

There are several treatment approaches available for dislocation of the TMJ. The use of condylar mini-anchors for recurrent TMJ dislocation is a valid option and should be considered since it does not alter the joint anatomy. In edentulous patients undergoing TMJ surgical procedures, prosthetic rehabilitation can be seen as a means of treatment preservation.

CASE REPORT

A 73-year-old female patient attended the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic presenting with joint instability, ligament laxity, and chronic recurrent TMJ dislocations. She had already been through three previous unsuccessful surgical procedures. A treatment plan was done based on the installation of a mini-anchor in the patient's TMJ through the preauricular surgical access. Dislocations were then resolved, but the lack of mandibular control even to a lesser extent after surgery precluded the use of prosthetics even at rest. Thus, it was planned to manufacture two conventional TPs with 0° cusp angle teeth, a clinical protocol shortened to three sessions in an attempt to improve the stability of the prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

The use of an individual mini-anchor is simple and effective, and the use of artificial teeth is well suited to the case.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A multidisciplinary intervention (surgery/ prosthesis) is of utmost importance for the resolution and preservation of the treatment of these complex cases.

Influence of guidance concept in complete dentures on oral health related quality of life - Canine guidance vs. bilateral balanced occlusion

PURPOSE

To compare the impact of canine guided vs. bilateral balanced occlusion on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) as a patient-reported outcome measure.

METHODS

In this randomized single-blind crossover trial, 19 patients have been provided with new complete dentures in the maxilla and mandible. OHRQoL was assessed using the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) before the start of the prosthodontic treatment (B), 3 months after insertion of the new dentures (T1), and 3 months after rework into the alternative concept (T2). Multilevel mixed-effect linear regression models were computed to determine the effect provided by the new set of dentures and the specific impact of the occlusal concept on OHRQoL using summary scores of the OHIP-49 and of a 19-items subset specific for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT).

RESULTS

At baseline, participants' OHRQoL was substantially impaired indicated by an average OHIP-49 score of 42.1 points and an OHIP-EDENT score of 21.1 points. The effect of provision of a new set of complete dentures was a statistically significant decrease of 8.3 points (OHIP-49) and 4.0 points (OHIP-EDENT), respectively, representing a clinically relevant improvement in OHRQoL. When wearing dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion, participants showed on average 1.6 points higher OHIP-49 scores and 0.9 points higher OHIP-EDENT scores compared to canine guided dentures. This effect of the occlusal concept was neither statistically nor clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both investigated occlusal concepts for complete dentures were comparable in their effect on patients' perceptions with none being considerably superior in terms of OHRQoL.

Different Occlusal Schemes in a Persistent Protruding Complete Denture Wearer

Different types of artificial teeth and occlusal designs can be used in complete dentures. Bilateral balanced occlusion, lingualized occlusion, canine guidance, and monoplane are the main occlusal designs; however there is no agreement on which tooth arrangement is ideal for achieving success in complete dentures. This report presents an alternative for persistent involuntary protruding complete denture wearers through the use of artificial teeth with higher cusps. Due to an old and worn pair of complete dentures, the patient had the habit of protruding. New dentures were made with Biotone artificial teeth and in the trial session, the patient would still protrude. A new set was made with Premium artificial teeth, which present higher cusps. With these dentures, the involuntary protrusion did not occur. From the delivery to the follow-up sessions, the patient stopped protruding.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma misdiagnosed as a denture-related traumatic ulcer: A clinical report

A 65-year-old woman presented with an ulcerated lesion in the alveolar ridge mucosa, which appeared after new dentures had been inserted. Despite many treatment attempts, the lesion did not recede, even with the interruption of denture wearing. A biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination revealed an ulcerated, invasive, poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. The time from the patient's first contact with the prosthodontist because of the lesion until the appropriate diagnosis was established was approximately 6 months. This clinical report documents a significant delay in the oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment because of a clinical misdiagnosis of a traumatic ulcer resulting from complete dentures. Prosthodontists should be aware of the importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer among elderly prosthesis wearers.