Comparison of Increase in Masticatory Efficiency Between Removable Partial Dentures Retained With Clasps and Retained With Attachments.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the masticatory efficiency of removable partial dentures (RPDs) retained with clasps versus those retained with attachments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 107 patients fitted with 138 RPDs participated in the study; 87 RPDs (63.0%) were clasp-retained, and 51 RPDs (37.0%) were attachment-retained. Subjects chewed 5.0 g of peanuts for 30 s, and masticatory efficiency was measured using a spectrophotometer at an absorption rate of 590 µm. Measurements were taken before insertion, immediately after, and 1 and 3 months post-insertion of RPDs.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed progressive masticatory efficiency improvements for both clasp-retained and attachment-retained RPDs over time, with significant enhancements observed at the 3-month post-insertion mark. Initially, clasp-retained RPDs showed slightly higher efficiency than attachment-retained RPDs; however, attachment-retained RPDs demonstrated superior efficiency after 3 months (p = 0.001). Consistent improvements were noted across different denture support types, with Triangular and Quadrangular supports showing the most notable gains by 3 months (p ≤ 0.006). GLMM analysis underscored the significant impact of time on masticatory efficiency (F(3, 511) = 4.926, p = 0.002), with no significant effects attributed to RPD type or support type alone, nor any significant interaction effects, indicating a universal improvement in masticatory function over time regardless of RPD design.

CONCLUSIONS

RPD insertion significantly improves masticatory efficiency, particularly evident 3 months post-insertion, with attachment-retained RPDs outperforming clasp-retained types. Improvements in masticatory function over time are consistent across all RPD designs, unaffected by denture type or support structure. This emphasizes the role of denture design in both immediate adaptation and long-term treatment success, suggesting that time significantly contributes to enhanced masticatory efficiency regardless of RPD design, highlighting the importance of tailored prosthetic rehabilitation.