The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the influence of two different types of attachments on the masticatory function of complete denture wearers through studying the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and anterior fibers of temporalis muscles.
Material and methods: Fourteen completely edentulous patients with problematic existing mandibular dentures received new conventional complete dentures. Two implants were installed in the mandibular canine regions. After verification of Osseointegration. Patients were randomly divided into two groups by using closed envelope according to the type of attachments used (ball and locator) were installed onto each implant. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of masseter and anterior fibers of temporalis muscles was measured during chewing hard and soft food with conventional dentures before implant placement, one month and three months after implant retained overdentures with the two types of attachments. Data was collected and statistically analyzed.
Results: The results obtained from thisstudy revealed a statistically significant increase in the muscles activity after attachment of mandibular dentures onto the implants in the studied groups. The highest activity values were reported for the locator attachment group followed by ball attachment however, the least values were recorded for the conventional complete denture. Nevertheless, the comparison between the two groups at the end of follow up period revealed a statistically insignificant difference .
Conclusion: Muscles activity significantly increased after implant treatment. Thus, implant treatment greatly improves oral function. The design of implant attachments did not affect significantly the muscle activity; as no significant differences were observed among the studied attachments (Ball and locator).