Kinesiographic Study of Replacing Complete Dentures to Implant-Supported Fixed Dentures

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of replacing conventional mandibular complete dentures by implant-supported fixed dentures on the kinesiographic parameters of edentulous patients.

Methods: Edentulous patients (n=10) received one set of new complete dentures. After the intraoral adjustments and adaptation period, the kinesiograph instrument K6-I (Myotronics Research Inc., Seattle, WA) was used to record opening and closure movement limits, postural rest position, chewing cycle and pattern of maxillary complete denture movement during chewing. Afterwards, the patients had their mandibular denture replaced by an implant-supported fixed denture and the same evaluation protocol was performed after 30, 60, 90, 180 and 360 days. Data were analyzed using paired t test (α=.05).

Results: It was observed a significant increase in the most parameters related to extension of opening and closure movement limits after the treatment with implant-supported fixed dentures, for all periods evaluated. A greater vertical intrusion of the maxillary complete denture during chewing was also perceived after 360 days (0.38 mm). A significant reduction in the movement between rest position and intercuspal position was also found for the periods 30 (0.69mm), 60 (0.79mm) and 90 days (0.56mm). No significant differences were observed for chewing cycle.

Conclusions: The treatment with implant-supported fixed denture interferes on amplitude of opening and closure movement limits and on intrusion of the maxillary complete denture during chewing.