A comparison of two methods of quantifying masticatory pressures developed under dentures with variable occlusal widths

Abstract

Pressures developed during mastication with removable dental prostheses have beer quantified by two methods. This pilot study (1) compares the peak pressure method of pressure quantification with the integrated curve method of quantification and (2) continues the exploration of the effect of the width of the occlusal table on pressures developed under dentures. A set of specially designed experimental dentures was constructed for one individual. The mandibular experimental denture contained a series of pressure transducers by which masticatory pressures were recorded. These pressures were monitored between the denture base and the residual ridge tissues. Several interchangeable posterior occlusal segments, varying only in the width of the occlusal table, were fabricated for the opposing maxillary denture. Masticatory pressure and total ridge pressure were quantified by the integrated curve method and the peak pressure method. Both methods indicated a direct relationship between masticatory pressures produced and the width of the occlusal table. A similar direct relationship between total ridge pressure and occlusal width was suggested statistically by the integrated curve method, and graphically by both methods.