Comparison of the masticatory efficiency and function in complete dentures wearers with conventional balanced occlusion and with lingualized balanced occlusion

• Grant number: 07/02240-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2007
• End date: August 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Sualdini Nogueira
• Grantee: Sergio Sualdini Nogueira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The research related to the occlusal schemes for complete dentures focus the comparison of: (1) anatomic teeth and non anatomic teeth and; (2) balanced occlusion and non balanced occlusion. Unfortunatelly these studies have shown very few evidence and many questions remin unknown.These little cientific evidence may be observed through the lack of real correlations between the lingualized balanced occlusion and conventional balanced occlusion.It is recognized that the mandibular movements are affected by the occlusion. This fact and the assumption that the most effective chewing pattern for a specific individual will depend upon the nature of the occlusion demonstrates the lack of a secure information related to the best occlusal scheme for the masticatory function.The objective of this research project is to compare the masticatory function and efficiency in denture wearers with conventional balanced occlusion and with lingualized balanced occlusion. Twenty edentulous subjects will receive complete dentures with interchangeable teeth that will allow to change the occlusal schemes of the dentures, without change the basis. The masticatory function will be evaluated through an index of masticatory capacity and through an autoperception questionarie of bucal healt (GOHAI).The masticatory eficience will be evaluate through clinical tests of mastication with coffee beans. (AU)