Anterior occlusal contact of complete denture during mastication

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure the actual anterior occlusal contacts in complete denture during mastication and discuss the relation between anterior occlusal contacts and masticatory movements. The actual anterior occlusal contacts were measured electrically with metal occlusal surfaces in five edentulous patients. These metal occlusal surfaces could be removed and changed into two types of occlusion. The masticatory movements were measured by Sirognathograph for seven edentulous patients. The types of anterior and posterior occlusions were changed, and the masticatory movements were analyzed for each of the four types of occlusion. The results were as follows: 1. Anterior occlusal contacts were found during mastication, but not during tapping, in bilateral balanced occlusion. 2. The frequency of anterior occlusal contacts during mastication was increased in non-balanced occlusion. 3. The frequency of occlusal contacts at the canine on the chewing side was increased by continuing of mastication, but was not increased at the canine on non-chewing side. 4. The stability of the denture tended to be lost by eliminating the anterior occlusal contact, judging from the rhythm of masticatory movements. This study suggested that anterior occlusal contacts are necessary for the functional harmony of complete denture during mastication.