title: Evaluation of functional parameters in the occlusion of complete denture wearers before and after prosthetic treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate functional parameters of the occlusion in complete denture wearers before and after prosthetic treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample used as the basis for the present study consisted of 50 healthy Caucasian patients (35 women and 15 men), aged from 44 to 86 years (mean=69.18±10), with a total deficiency of teeth. All patients received new complete dentures. Each patient underwent lateral radiograph with the presence of complete dentures, both before (initially existing dentures) and after the prosthetic treatment (new restorations). Cephalometric analysis was based on the Ricketts and McNamara criteria. In order to assess the functional parameters of the occlusion T-scan III analysis was conducted. The following parameters were measured: occlusion - and disclusion time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant differences of functional parameters obtained before and 3 months after the treatment were noted in the whole study group. Both before and after therapy occlusion time was longer in women than in men. No statistically significant link was noted between functional parameters in occlusion and age of the patients, denture wearing time, and edentulous period. Some relationships were noted between occlusion time and cephalometric parameters associated with anterior facial height.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reconstruction of the surface of artificial teeth and vertical occlusal dimension affects the sustainability of parameters of occlusion and balance of forces in centric occlusion. The progressive shortening of occlusion time during the period of monitoring may be considered as a sign of progressive adaptation.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Bialystok, Department of Prosthodontics, M. Sklodowska-Curie Str. 24a, Bialystok 15-276, Poland. Electronic address: kucjoanna@poczta.onet.pl.
authors.forename: Kuć
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Joanna
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Bialystok, Department of Dental Techniques, Washington Str. 13, Bialystok 15-269, Poland.
authors.forename: Sierpińska
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Teresa
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Bialystok, Department of Prosthodontics, M. Sklodowska-Curie Str. 24a, Bialystok 15-276, Poland.
authors.forename: Gołębiewska
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maria
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002508:Cephalometry; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003824:Denture, Complete; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014716:Vertical Dimension
keywords: Complete denture; Disclusion time; Edentulism; Occlusal concept; Occlusion time; T-scan III system