Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Patients with Complete Dentures

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate maximum bite forces (mBF) in dominant (DS) and non-dominant sides (NDS) at certain time periods after the insertion of new complete dentures based on prior experience and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 88 patients, complete denture wearers (CDWs), were examined. The maximum bite force at the intercuspal position between the first molars in 3 seconds was registered and recorded with piezoelectric gnathodynamometer. The procedure was repeated 3 times in identical conditions, with relaxation intervals of 1 minute between repeats and the limiting factor was the subjective feeling of pain. Testing of parametric data was performed with One Way Repeated Measurement of ANOVA test. RESULTS The average mBF values increased during the observational period, both on the DS and NDS, with significant difference in DS, which was greater. The analysis of one-factor variance showed that there were differences of average mBF values in DS and NDS during six consecutive measurements (mBF-DS = 11.3, p = 0.0001, and mBF-NDS = 2.26, p = 0.047). Significant changes in the masticatory force (mBF) on the DS and NDS is explained by different measurement times and with the prior experience with complete dentures, BF-DS = 11.76, p = 0.0000; mBF-NDS = 2.42, p = 0.0351; mBFe-DS = 40.48; P = 0.0000 mBFe-NDS = 39.93, p = 0.0000. CONCLUSION mBF represents a significant discriminating variable of the level of functional adaptation of new complete denture wearers (nCDWs) about the initial measurements.