INTRODUCTION: The appropriate masticatory function is of major importance in complete denture wearers, since it influences the digestion of food and quality of life. Thus, the bilateral balanced occlusal concept is used to achieve greater masticatory efficiency. However, a critical review of the literature reveals that there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support bilateral balanced occlusion as the most appropriate occlusal concept in complete dentures.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare clinically between complete denture wearers with bilateral balanced occlusion and canine guidance concepts through the evaluation of masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction.
MATERIALS & METHODS: A controlled crossover clinical trial was conducted. The sample was composed by 20 edentulous patients who wore sets of complete dentures with both occlusal concepts periods of one month. Objective data were collected through the masticatory efficiency test performed by the colorimetric method with the beads, in which capsules of a synthetic material enclosing FDA approved dye-containing granules were used. Subjective data were recorded by general satisfaction patient questionnaire.
RESULTS: No significant statistical difference was found for the masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction between the two occlusal concepts studied.
CONCLUSIONS: Both bilateral balanced occlusion and canine guidance improved the masticatory efficiency in complete denture wearers.