A 6-year follow-up study of oral function in shortened dental arches. Part II: Craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort.
In this clinical 6-year follow-up study subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 55), characterized by the absence of molar support, are compared with subjects with complete dental arches (CDA, n = 52) with respect to items concerning craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort. In addition, a small group of subjects with SDA and removable partial dentures in the lower jaw (SDA + RPD, n = 19) is included in this study. Oral comfort is defined using the following criteria: (i) absence of pain and distress, meaning the absence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction: (ii) chewing ability; and (iii) appreciation of the appearance of the dentition in relation to absent posterior teeth. Additionally, complaints about the free-end RPD are described. It is concluded that: (i) a SDA (consisting of 3-5 occlusal units, OU) is not a risk factor for CMD and is able to provide long-term sufficient oral comfort; and (ii) free-end RPD (in the lower jaw) in SDA do not prevent CMD and do not improve oral function in terms of oral comfort.
Witter
D J
DJ
Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
De Haan
A F
AF
Käyser
A F
AF
Van Rossum
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002012:Bruxism / Q000150:complications; D017271:Craniomandibular Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008963:Molar; D011379:Prognosis; D013016:Sound; D013997:Time Factors