A 1-year Intraindividual Evaluation of Maximum Bite Force in Children Wearing a Removable Partial Dental Prosthesis

Author(s)

Serra, Marcia Diaz ; Gambareli, Flavia Riqueto ; Duarte Gaviao, Maria Beatriz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN; v. 74, n. 3, p. 6-pg., 2007-09-01.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a removable partial dental prosthesis on the bite force in 22 children from 6 to 9 years of age with early loss of primary molars. Methods: The dental prosthesis was fabricated with autopolymerized acrylic resin and artificial teeth, retained by clasps made of orthodontic wires. Bite force was determined with a pressurized tube transducer connected to a sensor element. The facial proportions were evaluated on photographs and body variables determined. All evaluations were performed before, 6 months after, and 1 year after the rehabilitation. Results: No statistical significant difference between genders was found. There was a signifi cant increase in bite force from the first to the second evaluation (302 +/- 61N) and (345 +/- 43 N), but not in the third evaluation (360 +/- 47 N). Body weight and height increased during the follow-up period. Facial proportions did not correlate with bite force, whereas body height correlated with bite force at the six-month evaluation (r=0.521; P=.007), with a low adjust determination coefficient (24.01%). Conclusion: The findings showed that the removable partial dental prosthesis increased the bite force in the first 6 months. This suggested that the prosthesis was adequate to replace the missing posterior primary teeth, with the possibility of improving the masticatory system function. (AU)