The effect of removable partial dentures on mastication and dietary intake.

Masticatory efficiency, the subjective experience of masticatory performance, and dietary intake were evaluated in 19 subjects who were treated with a removable partial denture in the lower jaw. The subjects were tested on three occasions: before treatment, with the dentures when free from symptoms, and about 4 months after the dentures were inserted. Masticatory efficiency and the subjective experience of masticatory performance increased significantly after the subjects were provided with the dentures, but no changes were found in the dietary intake.