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.
Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
D J
DJ
Witter
A F
AF
De Haan
A F
AF
Käyser
G M
GM
Van Rossum
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