Relationship between Masticatory Ability and Shape of Denture-supporting Area of Complete Denture Wearers

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the shape of a denture-supporting area and their relationship to masticatory ability. The correlation among the shape of the denture-supporting area, maximum biting force, and the masticatory ability of the wearers of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures was investigated.Materials and Methods : Duplicate casts were made from the master casts of 28 complete denture wearers. The surface area (S) and projected area (P) of the maxillary and mandibular denture-supporting areas were measured ; the volume (V) was measured using a duplicate of the mucosal surface of the denture base made with the duplicate cast. In addition, V/P, S/P, and V/S were calculated from the factors of V, S, and P. The correlation among these measurements and ratings, the maximum biting force and the masticatory ability of the subjects were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results : Maximum biting force significantly correlated with mandibular volume (V), surface area (S), projected area (P), and V/S, which indicates the average height of the residual ridge. No significant correlation was observed between the shape of the denture-supporting area of the maxilla and the maximum biting force. Masticatory ability significantly correlated only with the mandibular surface area (S).Conclusion : The height and surface area of the mandibular denture-supporting area can help predict the recovery of function in complete denture wearers before treatment.