Factors associated with mandibular movement and vertical dimension of occlusion in elderly complete-denture wearers

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of age, duration of edentulism, and duration of current complete-denture use on the extent of mandibular movements and on reestablishment of vertical dimension of occlusion in elderly complete-denture wearers.

Methods: Thirty volunteers were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Extent of mandibular movements was assessed using intraoral Gothic arch tracings while the study participants were still wearing their old complete dentures (T0). Change in vertical dimension of occlusion was determined from measurements taken using frontal images, acquired before substituting the old dentures (T0) and seven days after the last appointment for adjusting the new complete dentures (T1). Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance with a post hoc Bonferroni test (a = 0.05).

Results: Pearson correlation analysis found statistically significant negative correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion and mandibular movement measurements and age and between vertical dimension of occlusion and mandibular movement measurements and duration of denture use. The Bonferroni test detected differences for all parameters evaluated, except between duration of edentulism and extent of mandibular movement.

Conclusion: The study findings show that older age and long-term use of dentures were linked to limited reestablishment of vertical dimension of occlusion and range of mandibular motion. However, the effect of duration of edentulism was not clear.