Effect of complete denture occlusal schemes on masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force

Statement of purpose Masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force may be different, depending on the occlusal schemes of the complete dentures used. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 complete denture occlusal schemes on masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force. Material and methods Two complete denture occlusal schemes, bilateral balanced occlusion and neutrocentric occlusion, were delivered to 10 participants who were completely edentulous (6 men and 4 women; mean age, 67.3 years). Masticatory performance was evaluated with the multiple sieve method and maximum occlusal force with pressure-sensitive films. The 2 occlusal schemes were interchanged on the participants' denture bases. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine the differences between the occlusal schemes and chewing strokes and their interactions. The paired t test was used to compare the maximum occlusal force of the 2 occlusal schemes (α=.05). Results No difference was found in masticatory performance ( P =.07) or maximum occlusal force ( P =.31) between the occlusal schemes. For both schemes, a significant difference was found in masticatory performance ( P Conclusions Complete dentures with bilateral balanced occlusion and neutrocentric occlusion found no significant differences in masticatory performance and maximum occlusal force. However, more chewing strokes resulted in better masticatory performance.