Mastication in subjects with extremely shortened dental arches rehabilitated with removable partial dentures.

Mastication was evaluated in subjects presenting extremely shortened dental arches (ESDAs) rehabilitated with mandibular free-end removable partial dentures (RPDs). Subjects were divided into four groups (n = 10): those with a complete dentition, those with ESDAs, and those with ESDAs who were rehabilitated with an RPD, who were evaluated both with and without their prostheses. Mastication was measured through masticatory performance, time, and ability. RPD wearers showed higher masticatory performance (P < .01) and ability (P < .001) and lower masticatory time (P < .001) than when not wearing their prostheses as well as ESDA subjects who had not received RPD therapy. Those with a complete dentition showed the best results (P < .001). It can be suggested that RPDs improve mastication in ESDA subjects but without achieving normal mastication levels.