Conventional vs. implant retained overlay dentures: a clinical trial of masseter and anterior temporalis electromyography.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Implant supported overlay dentures (ISODs) have been widely accepted among patients using conventional removable complete dentures (CRCDs). The present study aimed to comparatively study conventional and ISODs in terms of function and coordination of masticatory muscles using electromyograms.Materials and methods: Included were 10 patients with ISODs (each with 2 implants in the intercanine area). The mean wave range (MWR) and frequency (MWF) of masseter and temporalis were recorded with (ISOD) and without (CRCD) ball attachments while maximum clenching on cotton rolls (cotton roll clenching), maximum intercuspal clenching (clenching), and unilateral gum chewing (chewing) using electromyography. Data were analyzed in SPAW using t-paired for matched groups and independent sample t-tests for unmatched ones. Results: MWF differences were not statistically significant with or without attachments (p > 0.05). Without attachments in place, MWF of both masseter and temporalis muscles significantly decreased when patients clenched on cotton rolls (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) and when chewing unilaterally (p = 0.01 both). With attachments present, the right and left temporalis muscles did not show identical mean wave ranges while chewing (p = 0.01). Without attachments, this disharmony was seen in the left and right masseter muscles (p = 0.03). MWR of masseter was higher in men while chewing with attachments (p = 0.02). Without attachments, MWR of temporalis was higher in women while cotton roll clenching (p = 0.03) and chewing (p = 0.02). Conclusion: These findings are seemingly in favor of improved masticatory function and coordination in edentulous patients with the application of ISODs.