Anterior occlusion in shortened dental arches

Elżbieta Pacek,Michael H Walter

doi:10.1007/s00784-021-04317-5

Elżbieta Pacek, Michael H Walter

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-04317-5

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Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the occlusion of anterior teeth in individuals with shortened dental arch (SDA).Material and methodsIn a case–control clinical study, 41 individuals with SDA and 41 individuals with complete dental arch (CDA) participated. The CDA control group was matched for age and gender. Testing for occlusal contacts of anterior maxillary teeth was conducted by biting on foil strips (8 µm) with subjectively normal bite force (NBF) and maximal bite force (MBF). The data was analyzed on individual and tooth levels.ResultsThe median rates of anterior maxillary teeth with occlusal contacts were 0.67 (NBF) and 0.83 (MBF) in the SDA group and 0.50 (NBF) and 0.83 (MBF) in the CDA group. Within both groups, the contact rates were significantly higher in MBF. The group difference with NBF was significant. A generalized linear model showed that the odds of an anterior maxillary tooth to have an occlusal contact were greater in the SDA both for NBF with an odds ratio (OR) 2.277 and MBF with an OR 1.691.ConclusionsThe findings suggest effective compensatory mechanisms relative to the occlusal function in individuals with SDA.Clinical relevanceThe study delivers further evidence regarding the SDA concept as a viable option in the management of posterior tooth loss.

Highlights

The shortened dental arch (SDA) concept has been comprehensively researched and widely supported
The available papers focus on occlusal stability, masticatory function, prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), the effect of partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs), and oral comfort [1, 2]
It has been stated that PRDPs show beneficial influence on oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) among patients with SDA only if the anterior dentition is interrupted and needs restoration as well [4]

Summary

Introduction

The shortened dental arch (SDA) concept has been comprehensively researched and widely supported. The available papers focus on occlusal stability, masticatory function, prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), the effect of partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs), and oral comfort [1, 2]. It has been stated that PRDPs show beneficial influence on oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) among patients with SDA only if the anterior dentition is interrupted and needs restoration as well [4]. In 725 Tanzanian adults with different variations of SDAs and 125 adults with a complete dental arch (CDA), four pairs of occluding premolars and at least one pair of molars were found to be enough to chew most food types [5]. Patients with SDA did not report worse oral comfort [8]. No difference in OHQoL was reported in individuals with SDA and CDA [9]

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Conclusion