Objective: Comparing the electromyographic activity occurring in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles during mastication in individuals with complete dentition and in individuals wearing dentures. Method: Group A comprising 10 patients referred for exodontic treatment and posterior wear of dentures, and group B including 10 volunteers with at least 26 permanent teeth in good conditions, with no temporomandibular nor mastication-related problems, were studied by a surface electromyography with electrodes placed on the right and left masseter, and anterior temporal muscles. The individuals were asked to chew raw carrot and peeled apple diced in cubes with side length of approximately 1 cm, while the electromyography activity of the muscles were recorded. Group A had their masticatory activity recorded: a) before extraction of their teeth; b) in the toothless period before prosthesis use; and c) after 3 months of total dental prosthesis use. Results: The electromyographic changes in the masticatory cycles for both kinds of food presented to the participants showed that the harder food required greater masticatory effort evidenced by a greater electromyographic activity. It was also recorded electromyographic muscular adaptations during chewing according to the food consistency. Conclusion: The use of the dental prosthesis resulted in a more intense mastication evidenced by the greater electromyographic activity in the anterior temporal and masseter muscles, especially with harder food, showing that the use of dental prosthesis provided a more effective masticatory capacity. (FAPESP - 01/12844-1)

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