Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate
occlusal pressure patterns of complete denture
wearers to evaluate progress of occlusal adjustment
of dentures. Thirty three edentulous subjects
volunteered to participate in this study. A computer-
based device was used to measure occlusal
pressure sequence while tapping with their new
dentures. The following variables obtained from
each occlusal pressure pattern were assessed:
Peak Time; Duration from the onset of pressure to
the maximum pressure, Unloading Time; Duration
from the maximum pressure to the end of pressure,
Contacting Duration; Duration from the onset of
pressure to the end of pressure, Tapping Cycle;
Duration from the onset of pressure to the next
onset, Peak Ratio; ratio of Peak Time to Unloading
Time. Recordings were performed after the
occlusal adjustment at each appointment and
continued until denture adjustments were completed.
Variables were analyzed using ANOVA and
Bonferroni. A significant decrease was seen in
Peak Ratio as the occlusal adjustments progressed
(p<0.05). Its coefficient of variation was
constantly the lowest among variables. The coefficient
of variation of Peak Ratio was significantly
lower than others at the completion of the adjustment
(p<0.05). It was suggested that Peak Ratio
was useful for evaluation of occlusal adjustment.
