[The functional occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency in complete denture].

The authors developed a new method to measure the occlusal contact area in complete denture by using the IBAS 2000 (Interactive Image Analysis System). The masticatory efficiency and functional occlusal contact area were measured and analysed for 16 cases of complete dentures. The results showed that the relation between occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency was positive significantly and different region of occlusal contact area had its corresponding masticatory efficiency. It is indicated that a given occlusal contact area is necessary to satisfy the masticatory efficiency required. If the masticatory load is great the width of supporting cusp should be reduced and a definite width of nonsupporting cusp should be preserved for holding the food being masticated.