Comparative evaluation of hemispheric and masticatory laterality in complete dentures with two occlusal schemes – A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE: The lateralization can influence the choice of occlusion scheme, patient comfort and success of the prosthesis. The existence of favored masticatory side in complete denture patients and its influence with various occlusal schemes is less analyzed in the literature. The study objective was to compare the masticatory and hemispheric laterality in complete denture subjects rehabilitated with 2 different occlusal schemes at different time intervals. METHODOLOGY: The cohort study recruited 26 patients in each group of balanced and non-balanced occlusion with definitive criteria. Conventional procedures were followed in denture fabrication. The hemispheric and masticatory laterality for all participants were established at 0,1,3- and 6-month intervals. The laterality was categorized as preferred chewing side (CPCS), predominant preferred chewing side (PPCS) and observed preferred chewing side (OPCS). The data on chewing side preference was analyzed by chi square test. (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Right side preference was predominant in 86.1% of non-balanced and 60.1% of balanced occlusion participants. The side preference among the 2 laterality and across time interval decreased in masticatory laterality of balanced occlusion participants (P < .05) when compared to non-balanced occlusion. (P > .05) CONCLUSION: The balanced occlusion dentures had lesser masticatory side preference when compared to non-balanced occlusion complete denture.