EMG evaluation of masseter muscle during maximum clenching in complete denture wearers after reducing the occlusal vertical dimension

Abstract

The rehabilitation of masticatory function, which made by natural teeth, one of the most goals of the treatment of complete dentures patients, Studies indicate that the change in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) affects the patient's biting force. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the Electromyography (EMG) of masseter muscle during maximum clenching after reducing the OVD in complete dentures wears.Materials and Methods: Seven completely edentulous subjects, 2females and 5 males, their ages were between (45 -70) years precipitated in this study. One upper and two lower complete dentures were fabricated for each subject, the first set of upper and lower complete dentures was made with an appropriate OVD, while the second set of complete dentures were made with reduced OVD (about 3 mm). The EMG of the master, in both sides during maximum tooth clenching were performed two months after the patient delivered the first complete denture. The same procedures were repeated for the second set of complete denture wears after two weeks.Results: The mean value of the EMG of master muscle during maximum clenching for complete denture wearers with an appropriate OVD was (435.35) uV, while for the patients, who wear complete dentures with reduced OVD was (299.25) uV.Conclusions: There are statistically significant differences in the mean value of the EMG between the two groups at the confidence level of 95%. The value of the EMG in dentures with reduced OVD was smaller than that of appropriate OVD in the research sample.