Influence of different setting positions of maxillary major connectors on salivary stress markers

Abstract

We produced experimental plates covering different areas of the palatal mucosa with different shapes, and attempted to evaluate them objectively by measuring stress reactions in terms of salivary amylase activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (slgA) concentration. All subjects were examined under the four experimental conditions of no plate (C), an anterior plate (A), a middle plate (M) and a posterior plate (P). Saliva samples were collected at 0, 5, 10 and 20 min after the start of each condition. Subjects were then asked to complete a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during each condition. Amylase activity of saliva collected at 5 min was significantly higher for P than for C, A or M. The VAS score was significantly higher for P than for A or M. However slgA concentration in saliva collected at 5 min was significantly lower for P than for C or M. Different patterns were seen for both amylase activity and VAS scores. Evaluation of amylase activity and the VAS of discomfort showed that covering the posterior region of the palate caused severe discomfort in the subjects. The use of salivary stress markers is a valuable tool for the objective evaluation of the design of maxillary partial dentures.