Bite force and oral function in complete denture wearers

Oral function was evaluated in complete denture wearers by using a questionnaire, clinical examination and bite force measurements. Ten patients with satisifactory and ten with unsatisfactory dentures were studied and six of the latter patients were reexamined 1 year after the insertion of new dentures. The bite force values were compared with those obtained in ten dentate controls. No significant differences in bite force were found between the satisfactory and unsatisfactory denture groups. Individual values varied much in both groups. The six patients re-examined were satisfied with their new dentures and thought they had improved chewing but no significant increase of bite force was found. The maximal bite force was 5-6 times greater in the dentate subjects than in the denture wearers. Edentulous persons are very handicapped in masticatory function and even clinically satisfactory complete dentures are poor substitutes for natural teeth.