Changes in the masticatory function of complete denture wearers after relining the mandibular denture with a soft denture liner.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the masticatory function of complete denture wearers after relining the mandibular denture with a soft liner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional complete dentures were fabricated for 6 completely edentulous patients. One month after completing adjustments of the dentures, maximum biting force, masticatory performance, and electromyography of the masseter muscle during mastication were recorded. Chewing strokes, chewing time, muscular activity, and masticatory rhythm were calculated using the recorded electromyography. The mandibular dentures were then relined with a soft liner. One month after finishing adjustments of the relined dentures, the same tests were performed. These values were compared using a paired t test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: When using the soft liner, masticatory performance and maximum biting force were significantly greater (P = 0.019 and P = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the number of chewing strokes was significantly lower (P = 0.020), and chewing time was reduced (P = 0.010). A more stable masticatory rhythm was also found in the initial chewing stage. The muscular activity tended to decrease after the insertion of the lined denture, but no significant difference was found between before and after relining. CONCLUSION: It was shown that applying a soft lining material to the mandibular dentures of 6 edentulous patients improved masticatory function with no adverse effect on the muscular task.