Impact of Two Occlusal Schemes in Implant Retained Mandibular Overdenture on the Masticatory Efficiency

Dental research has shown that implant-retained overdentures markedly improve the quality of life for edentulous patients [1]. Research has shown that two dental implants are sufficient to support a mandibular overdenture [2]. Considering the increasingly old age and systemic health complications of these patients, it is imperative that dental implant treatment include minimum intervention for both surgical and prosthetic maintenance after the delivery of the final prosthesis. This requires reducing the transmission of stress to the dental implants via the overdenture and its framework, hence assuring fewer maintenance procedures [3].

The attachment systems used in implant-retained overdentures may be categorized according to the splinting of the implants. The connection between the prosthesis and the implant is made using bar structures when dental implants are splinted. If the dental implants are not splinted, each implant is independently affixed to the prosthetic structure using technologies such as Locator, ERA, ball, O-ring, and different magnetic systems.[1] The choice of attachment type is influenced by the location of the dental implant, the required degree of retention, the morphology of the edentulous jaw, and the patient's motor dexterity. The preferred attachment types for overdentures are the Locator and ball systems due to their ease of application, minimal technical requirements, and lower costs compared to bar or magnet systems. There is ongoing research and development to improve attachment systems in dental implantology. [2] The occlusal scheme for overdentures affects the pattern of occlusal contact between opposing teeth during centric relation and mandibular functional movements. Consequently, the quantity and intensity of these contacts are crucial in determining the overall efficacy and comfort of the prosthesis. [3] The occlusal scheme known as fully bilateral balanced articulation is designed to ensure bilateral, simultaneous contact of the anterior and posterior denture teeth in both centric and eccentric positions. This scheme aims to achieve a cross-arch balanced articulation, promoting stability and functionality for the dentures during various mandibular movements.[4] On the other hand, the monoplane concept, first proposed by De Van in 1954, utilizes zero-degree teeth and creates a perfectly flat occlusal plane that is parallel to and evenly divides the upper and lower residual ridges. The occlusal plane is positioned at the junction of the upper and middle third of the retromolar pad. This approach eliminates inclined planes both in the tooth form and the occlusal plane, ensuring that no lateral components are generated with vertical chewing forces.[5] Masticatory performance refers to the ability to triturate food under controlled testing settings. [9] These food crushing tests are designed to evaluate the fragmentation of test specimens into smaller fragments. The test specimens may consist of natural food products, such as carrots or nuts, or synthetic materials like silicone-based Optosil cubes or fuchsin beads .[6] Masticatory efficiency is the primary indicator of mastication function and reflects the functional potential of the dental system, including dentures. Assessment the masticatory efficiency is vital for a comprehensive evaluation of treatment outcomes involving implant-retained overdentures.[7] Electromyographic devices are research equipment for evaluating the electrical activity of the muscles. The behavior of masticatory muscles and information as to the functional state of the stomatognathic neuromuscular system can be obtained by electromyography. It is a practical and efficient method for the study of muscle function and activity, thus serving as a valuable tool in dental research