In Vivo Comparison of the Masticatory Efficiency of Artificial Teeth with Two Different Cusp Heights in Complete Dentures: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The goal of complete denture rehabilitation is to restore facial esthetics and masticatory function to edentulous patients. Several types of artificial teeth with different occlusal anatomy are available. Theoretically, teeth with a higher cusp height provide improved masticatory efficiency. The aim of this study was to compare the masticatory efficiency of complete denture wearers using artificial teeth with two cusp heights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen complete denture wearers were given complete dentures with Heraeus Premium teeth. Fifteen days after denture installation, a first masticatory efficiency test was performed with Optocal. A new pair of complete dentures with Dentsply Biotone teeth was then given to each participant to replace the first set. This second set was fabricated by duplicating the same models used to fabricate the first set of dentures. Fifteen days after installation of the dentures with Biotone teeth, a second masticatory efficiency test was performed with Optocal. On both tests, the comminuted material was treated and sieved through a stack of sieves under vibration. The content of each sieve was weighed, and the obtained data were tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of participants' masticatory efficiency, as measured by X(50) particle size (mm), were 8.39 and 5.59 for dentures with Premium teeth, and 8.56 and 5.84 for dentures with Biotone teeth. CONCLUSION: According to the results, there were no differences (p < 0.05) in the masticatory efficiency of the complete denture sets using teeth with the two cusp heights.