Evaluation of masticatory function of complete denture wearers with conventional and monoplane occlusion

• Grant number: 22/08269-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: September 01, 2022
• End date until: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Pero
• Grantee: Sabrina Romão Gonçalves Coelho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The choice of cusp angulation of posterior artificial teeth of complete dentures is related, among other factors, to the height of the alveolar ridges, and reduced cusp height may be more favorable in cases of resorbed ridges, favoring the stability of the dentures. This indication must be based on objective variables related to the functions of the masticatory system. The aim of this study will be to evaluate the masticatory performance of completely edentulous individuals wearing conventional complete dentures with different cusp heights: non-anatomical teeth 0º and semi-anatomical 22º, using the colorimetric method of chewing gum varying the number of chewing cycles (20 and 50 cycles). Research participants must present radiographically evaluated resorbed mandibular ridges, normal salivation, at least 1 year of edentulism, need for complete denture replacement and absence of debilitating systemic changes as well as signs/symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. Participants will receive a pair of complete dentures, and will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, according to the occlusal scheme: 0º (monoplane) or 22º (conventional). The study will begin after the adaptation period with the new prostheses (pre-test phase). Assessments will be performed before prosthesis replacements (L0) and three months (L1) from the pre-test phase. On the evaluation days, participants will be instructed to chew the Vivident Fruit Swing Karpuz/Assaí Üzümü gum for 20 and 50 cycles, counted by the researcher, then the gum will be removed from the oral cavity and photographed on both sides with a digital camera for qualitative analysis through scores. Subsequently, with the aid of a metallic matrix, the gum will be pressed and scanned for electronic analysis of the mixture of colors, using the software ViewGum©, obtaining the value of the square root of the circular variance of the hue (VOH or SD_Hue). This value corresponds to the color mixing level, ranging from 0 to 1, and the lower the VOH value, the greater the color mixing and, consequently, the better the participant's chewing performance. After tabulating the data, appropriate statistical tests will be applied, according to adherence to normality and homoscedasticity (±=5%).