Masticatory function with implant-supported overdentures

J Dent Res. 2004 Sep;83(9):708-11. doi: 10.1177/154405910408300910.

Abstract

The type of attachment that is used in implant-supported mandibular overdentures may influence the retention and stability of the prosthesis and, thus, masticatory function. In this within-subject cross-over clinical trial, we examined the hypothesis that greater retention and stability of the overdenture improve the masticatory function. Eighteen edentulous subjects received 2 oral implants, a new overdenture, and, successively, 3 different suprastructure modalities: magnet, ball, and bar-clip. Masticatory performance, masticatory efficiency, and swallowing threshold were measured. The masticatory function significantly improved after implant treatment with each of the 3 attachments. We observed small differences in masticatory function among the 3 attachment types: slightly better masticatory performance with ball and bar-clip than with magnet attachments. The number of chewing cycles until swallowing hardly decreased after implant treatment. We conclude that significantly better masticatory performance, combined with a slightly smaller number of chewing cycles after implant treatment, results in smaller food particles being swallowed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Deglutition / physiology
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported*
  • Denture Design
  • Denture Retention
  • Denture, Overlay*
  • Female
  • Food
  • Humans
  • Magnetics / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Mastication / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Particle Size
  • Sensory Thresholds / physiology
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Dental Implants