Maximum bite force after the replacement of complete dentures

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the maximum bite force (MBF) can be improved by the replacement of complete dentures for elderly people.

Design: Nine edentulous volunteers, mean age 74.2 (± 5.5) years and average denture experience 19.4 ± 19.5 years (1 to 50 years) had replacement dentures made. After a rehearsal session, MBF was recorded with the old dentures, and with the new dentures immediately at insertion, at 3, 8 days, 2–3 weeks, 1, 2, 3 and 6–10 months post insertion (p‐i.). MBF was recorded with the central bearing point method using a full‐bridge strain gauge load cell. Data were analysed off‐line using the mean of two peak readings per patient per session.

Results: The results indicate that MBF tended to be impaired when replacement dentures were first fitted (n.s.). However, this trend reversed during the first month p‐i. for patients with a “moderate” lower ridge resorption of Atwood grade 3 or 4 (n = 5). Patients with more severe lower ridge resorption Atwood grade 5 or 6 (n = 4) showed a significantly lower MBF over the entire observation period (p0.05) and took longer to regain bite strength. Only patients with moderate bone resorption exceeded their pre‐insertion level of MBF within the observation period of 6–10 months p‐i.

Conclusion: The present pilot study suggests that, at least for elderly patients with severe bone resorption, delayed improvement of MBF should be expected with replacement complete dentures.