Clinical evaluation of chewing efficiency for flexible removable partial dentures in bilateral free-end saddle cases

Ramadan, Mahmoud; M. Sakr, Hassan; R. Al-Kholy, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ajdsm.2018.71497

Clinical evaluation of chewing efficiency for flexible removable partial dentures in bilateral free-end saddle cases

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ PhD Condidate, Department of Removable Prosthodontics Faculty of Dental Medicine, Boys, Cairo, Al-Azhar University.

² Associated Professor, Department of Removable Prosthodontics Faculty of Dental Medicine, Boys, Cairo, Al-Azhar University.

³ Associated Professor, Department of Removable Prosthodontics, El Bahaa University, Dental College.

⁴ Professor, Department of Removable Prosthodontics Faculty of Dental Medicine, Boys, Cairo, Al-Azhar University.

10.21608/ajdsm.2018.71497

Abstract

Statement of problem: Increasing flexibility of removable partial denture increase the patient comfort and esthetics at the cost of bite force and chewing efficiency. Purpose: To compare and study the variation of chewing efficiency in different types of thermoplastic denture base materials used for restoring Kennedy class I removable partial dentures. Materials and Methods: Eight patients were included in the study. Four types (groups) of removable partial dentures will be made for every patient in the test group: thermoplastic Nylon RPD, thermoplastic Acetal RPD, thermoplastic PMMA RPD and thermoplastic PMMA with hard PMMA combination. Nylon and Acetal dentures were made using thermo-injectable technique. F. PMMA and H. & F. PMMA dentures were made using compression moulding technique. Chewing efficiency was measured after 1 week, 3 months and 6 months follow-up period for the two types. Chewing efficiency was evaluated by colored chewing gum and computerized color analysis. The test data were collected and analyzed. Results: H. & F. PMMA and F. PMMA had higher chewing efficiency than Nylon and Acetal 1 week after insertion for all chewing cycles. Only 10 chewing cycles affected by increasing the follow up period and denture adaptation for all types. Conclusion: Combination of flexible denture base materials with hard denture base material is recommended to enhance chewing efficiency.