A comparison of masticatory efficiency using the wax cube analysis method before and after implant-retained lower complete denture insertion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluation masticatory efficiency of implant-retained lower complete denture by using the wax cube analysis method. Thirty-three complete denture wearers (15 males and 18 females, mean age 67.48 ± 6.17 yrs) who received complete dentures treatment from Prosthodontic clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University were selected. The quality and stability of dentures are acceptable except some retention problems of lower denture. All subjects were classified in to 2 groups from mandibular bone height as high and low bone group. First, two dental implant fixtures were placed at lower canine regions, then 3 months later the ball-type attachments were connected to lower denture. The wax cube analysis method was used to evaluate the masticatory efficiency at three times; 1. before implantation 2. within one week after insert implant retained lower complete denture and 3. one month after. Each test used four wax cubes. The chewed wax was captured and analyzed with the Image J program. The result of masticatory efficiency was shown in term of percentage of chewing ability. The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean values among 3 tests (P≤0.001). Means of percentage of chewing ability after insertion in one week was 23.94 ± 6.58 (baseline = 15.43 ± 4.36) and increased to 28.17 ± 6.16 in one month after but the level of bone could not induce in the subjects had a significant effect on their masticatory performance overtime (P>0.05). From this study concluded that the edentulous patients can improve chewing ability significantly by 2-implant-retained lower complete denture treatment and mandibular bone height had no effect on chewing ability after treatment.