Masticatory Performance, Masticatory Function and Denture Quality of Removable Denture Wearers in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the quality of removable dentures on mastication performance and function of adult denture wearers. Methods: Removable denture wearers aged ≥ 18 years were recruited from a dental teaching hospital. Masticatory performance was assessed by chewing on a color-changeable gum (to obtain the a* value). Masticatory function was assessed subjectively by a validated Chewing Function Questionnaire (CFQ). Retention, stability and occlusion of the dentures were assessed clinically. Demographic data were collected. Results: 169 denture wearers (mean age= 67.5 ± 10.9, 46.2% female) with 108 complete dentures and 164 partial dentures participated. 132 (48.5%) and 136 (50.0%) dentures had retention and stability problems respectively while dentures of 27 (16.0%) participants had occlusal error. The median a* value was significantly lower in denture wearers whose dentures had problems of retention (19.6 vs. 22.1) and stability (20.0 vs. 22.1), and occlusal errors (17.8 vs. 21.8) than those who did not (p<0.05). Median CFQ score was lower in those whose dentures were unretentive (22.0 vs. 25.0, p<0.05). The a* value was negatively correlated to the number of retention and stability problems (rs=-0.256 and -0.271, respectively, p<0.01) and age (rs=-0.211, p<0.01). A negative correlation was found between the number of stability problems and CFQ score (rs=-0.176, p<0.05). Conclusions: Masticatory performance and masticatory function were reduced in people who wore removable dentures with unsatisfactory retention, stability and occlusion.