Effect of different occlusion patterns on the amount of pressure transmitted to denture-supporting tissues: An in vitro study

The primary goal in treatment of edentulous patients is satisfaction enhancement. Excessive pressure on denture-supporting tissues results in patient discomfort. Different occlusal schemes are used in the fabrication of complete dentures. In this study after introducing the new buccalized occlusion، pressure level under the denture base is compared between full bilaterally balanced and lingualized occlusions during chewing. In this experimental study، three sets of complete dentures were fabricated with different occlusal patterns under simulated in vitro conditions for 5 patients. Then، transmitted stress level from denture base to artificial tissue at the buccal shelf was measured using strain gauge during crushing of carrot cubes and carrot sheets. The mean pressure values were compared with paired-t test using SPSS 16 at p value ≤ 0. 05. The transmitted pressure was significantly higher with full bilaterally balanced occlusion compared to lingualized (p value = 0. 03) and buccalized (p value = 0. 04) occlusion patterns during crushing the carrot sheets. In crushing the carrot cubes، there was no significant differences (p value = 0. 24 and p value = 0. 45). Furthermore، no significant differences were found between lingualized and buccalized occlusion patterns during crushing of carrot sheets (p value = 0. 74). Under the limitations of the present study، lingualized occlusion and buccalized occlusion transmit less pressure to buccal shelves in crushing the carrot sheets.