Changes in masticatory movement parameters within the chewing period in young dentate persons and patients rehabilitated with bridges supported by implants in the mandible.

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to study changes in masticatory movements in the chewing sequence of young dentate persons and complete denture wearers rehabilitated with bridges on osseo-integrated implants (OIB) in the lower jaw. Two test foods were used in the dentate group (apple, bread) and bread in the OIB group. A computer-based opto-electronic system (Selspot) was employed to record and analyse all single chewing cycles, regarding parameters reflecting, chewing rhythm, mandibular velocity and displacement. The different parameters were tested both intra- and inter-individually versus the series of the single and overall chewing cycles in the masticatory sequences respectively. The results indicated that different subjects performed different patterns of mastication within the chewing period when chewing the same type of food. Different test foods (texture, size) also seemed to affect the chewing pattern in a different way, e.g. mandibular displacement showed an obvious reduction when chewing apple, probably due to the bigger size of the bolus. The inter- and intra-individual analysis showed in some parameters discrepancies implying problems in analysing the chewing pattern within the chewing sequence without using both methods.