Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of complete and removable partial dentures on maximal bite force in cleft lip and palate patients before and after a masticatory cycle, comparing the results to a control group. Methods: Seventy-eight patients were divided in three groups: Group1 – complete (natural) dentition, non cleft lip and palate (control); Group 2 – complete denture users (cleft lip and palate); Group 3 – removable partial denture users (cleft lip and palate). Bite force was assessed in two areas in each patient: central incisors and first molars, in two different moments: before and after a masticatory cycle with a piece of carrot, using a loading transducer connected to a clamp, amplifier, storage, display and plotter. Maximal bite force was compared between groups. Results: In test subjects, the mean bite force increase after the referred cycle was 83.3% and 92.3%in Groups 2 and 3 respectively (Control: 90%). The mean maximal bite force in central incisors and in molars, respectively, before mastication was 20.97N (SD=1.82) and 33.59N (SD=3.15) in Group 2 and 62.65N (SD=4.19) and 123.48N (SD=9.12) in Group 3. After the mastication cycle, the bite force in central incisors and in molars, respectively, was 24.42N (SD=1.95) and 39.13N (SD=0.92) in Group 2 and 73.27N (SD=6.92) and 156.44N (SD=7.12) in Group 3. In control subjects, the bite force in central incisors and in molars, before and after the cycle, respectively, was 123.66N (SD=6.85), 398.33N (SD=19.03), 146.18N (SD=26.23) and 442.10N (SD=20.08). Data was analyzed using Wilcoxon Test (p<0.05) within each group, showing significance in the two areas, in groups 1 (p=0.003 and 0.01), 2 (p=0.049 and 0.045) and 3 (p=0.015 and 0.046). Conclusions: Teeth loss seems to reduce maximal bite force. A mastication cycle increased the maximal bite force in all groups.

Back to the Prosthodontics Research Program
Back to the IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session (March 10-13, 2004)

Top Level Search