A comparison of masticatory efficiency in conventional dentures, implant retained or supported overdentures and implant supported fixed prostheses: A literature review

Patients wearing conventional removable dentures often complain particularly about the instability of the mandibular denture. Due to instability of mandibular dentures, there is an increase in the severity of mandibular atrophy. Furthermore, denture instability leads to a feeling of insecurity, inefficient mastication, and overall dissatisfaction with the prosthesis. Placement of endosseous dental implants to retain and support mandibular overdentures or fixed complete dentures have been developed and studied as a method for solving the problem of instability associated with conventional dentures. Implant-retained dentures have many advantages compared to conventional removable dentures. Occasionally, anatomical or financial limitations may prohibit the patient to use of a fixed implant-retained prosthesis. In these cases, a removable implant-retained denture with a limited number of implants may be the possible choice. The aim of this article is to review the literature to compare implant-retained or supported dentures versus conventional dentures in terms of masticatory efficiency, stability, and patient satisfaction.