The influence of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00539.xThe influence of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures in masticatory efficiencyObjective:  To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures (CDs) or implant‐retained mandibular overdentures.Background:  Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient‐based outcomes, the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established.Materials and methods:  A randomised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group was rehabilitated with a mandibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar‐clip system, while the second group was rehabilitated with a mandibular CD. Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs. Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test‐food. Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student’s t‐test (α = 0.05).Results:  No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency (p = 0.198). Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the mandibular overdenture (p < 0.001). In addition, mandibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience (p < 0.05) and retention of the lower denture (p < 0.005).Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that mandibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience, although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed.