Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force and Satisfaction in Patients with Conventional Full Denture and Over Denture Supported by Mandibular Dental Implant

One of basic goals of prosthetic science is to reconstruct the mastication. This function is affected by different factors such as bite force. The bite force is associated with the level of satisfaction of patients from their prosthesis. Replacement the natural teeth by artificial teeth (complete and partial dentures) decreases the bite force and the level of satisfaction of the patients. In this study we measured the bite force and evaluated the level of satisfaction and problems of complete denture and implant supported over dentures.Methods and Materials: 75 patients (between 45-65 years) in 3 groups were participated in this study. First group have had complete denture for 1-6 month, second group have had complete dentures for 10 years or more and third group had mandibular implant supported over dentures. The device for measurement was the electronic bite force with strain gauge. The measurements in each side were performed in first molar area. The mean of these figures analyzed statistically. A question form was used to evaluate the level of satisfaction of the patients. These information, then were analyzed with SPSS software and ANOVA, t- test, chi square and Pearson statistically correlation test. The mean of maximum bite force in 1 to 6 month complete dentures group was 5.65±1.46 kg, in 10 years or more complete dentures group was 7.01±2.1 and in mandibular implant supported over dentures was 12.22±2/7 kg (p value =0.001). The level of satisfaction of the patients in implant supported group was very high in 76% of the patients. Maximum bite force in implant supported over dentures was significantly higher than complete denture (first and second groups). The level of satisfaction was significantly higher than other two groups. This information can show the important role of implants in increasing the bite force, mastication efficacy and the level of satisfaction of the patients.