Bite force and its correlations in different denture types.

Maximal bite force was measured and intraoral condition was examined in 89 patients at the Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku. These patients formed three different denture groups: those with complete dentures, those with full maxillary denture and partial mandibular denture, and those with natural dentition or skeleton-supported partial maxillary denture and partial mandibular denture. There were three age groups: greater than or equal to 70, 60-69, and less than or equal to 59 years old. Maximal bite force was recorded with an appliance at seven different measuring points by placing a biting fork between the antagonistic teeth while at the same time the occlusion was stabilized contralaterally with a plastic tube. Maximal bite force had a correlation with age and sex (P less than 0.01). In partial-denture groups high bite force had a correlation with the breaking of dentures (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05, respectively). Satisfied patients had a higher bite force than dissatisfied ones. When there was some disturbance in occlusion, the bite force was smaller, especially in full-denture groups (P less than 0.001). Full-denture wearers also had a good bite force, but the best biting area was located more posteriorly than in patients who still had some natural teeth left in both jaws. Changes in the denture-bearing mucosa in patients with complete dentures and negative height of the mandibular alveolar process decreased the bite force slightly.