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.