Distribution of Occlusal Force in Implant-Supported Complete Denture

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between the occlusal force distribution in edentulous patients with implant-supported complete denture (implant group) and those natural dentition subjects (control group).

Methods: Each subject was instructed to clench pressure-sensitive film with maximum intensity in the intercuspal position (ICP) for three seconds. Six parameters related to occlusion were measured in two groups (n = 15 for each group). The mean values for each parameter were compared statistically between the two test groups using t-test.

Results: The occlusal force and area in the implant group were significantly smaller than those in the control group. There was no significant difference in the mean occlusal pressure and the occlusal force balance between left and right side. The central position of the occlusal force in the implant group was more anterior than that in the control group. The anteroposterior balance of the occlusal force was expressed as a percentage.

Conclusion: The proportion of occlusal force at the molar region to total occlusal force in the implant group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. On the contrary, that at the premolar region in the implant group was significantly larger than that in the control group. It is suggested that careful occlusal evaluation, establishment and adjustment in the premolar region in the implant-supported complete denture is particularly important.