A comparative analysis of salivary factors and maxillary denture retention in different arch forms: An in vivo study

AIMS: This study aims to find the effect of change in different salivary factors before and after complete denture insertion and to measure the maxillary denture retention in different arch forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty completely edentulous individuals (10 each of square, tapered, and ovoid arch form of maxilla) belonging to the age group of 40–70 years were selected. Salivary factors (flow, density, pH, viscosity, and total protein) were evaluated before and after denture insertion. Retention of maxillary denture was measured in all the different arch forms. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's independent sample's t-test was applied. The correlation was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: While mean flow rate and pH of saliva increased, mean viscosity, total protein, and density of saliva decreased after maxillary complete denture insertion. A positive correlation was found between retention and total maxillary basal surface area. Retention value was found to be greatest in square type and least in tapered type. CONCLUSIONS: Complete denture acts as a mechanical stimulant thus increasing flow rate and pH immediately after complete denture insertion. Density, total protein, and viscosity of saliva decreased after complete denture insertion which may be due to increase in water content of saliva. The retention of maxillary complete denture does not seem to depend on the rate of change of the salivary factors, before and after complete denture insertion. Total basal surface area and maxillary denture retention values were highest in square arch form and least in tapered arch form.