An evaluation of the effect of wearing complete dentures on temporomandibular joint vibrations over time using the joint vibration analyzer.

Aim: To evaluate the changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) vibrations after insertion of the complete denture in edentulous patients.

Settings and design: An observational in vivo study conducted to evaluate the changes in maximum mouth opening, total integrals, peak amplitude, and peak frequency in TMJ vibrations on the day of complete denture insertion and 6 months of follow up.

Materials and methods: Twenty patients (male: 12 and female: 8) were selected for the fabrication of balanced complete dentures following conventional procedure. Joint vibration analysis was recorded using the joint vibration analyzer. The patients were instructed to open as wide as possible and close to the intercuspal position with rhythmic speed following the metronome projected on the screen. The TMJ vibrations were amplified and displayed as waveforms in a graphical representation by system software.

Statistical analysis used: Wilcoxon test.

Results: A significant decrease in the total integral (P = 0.001) and peak amplitude (P = 0.044) for opening and closing movements of the left and right joints was observed. There was no significant change in maximum mouth opening (P = 0.624). A decrease in peak frequency was noted only at left opening movements between the day of insertion and at 6 months (P = 0.025).

Conclusion: The function of TMJ mechanics was improved till 6 months after insertion of complete denture with balanced articulation (BA).