Retention, Chewing Efficiency and Masticatory Performance of Maxillary Flexible versus CAD/CAM Partial DenturesOpposing Fixed Implant Retained Prosthesis

Abstract

Background/Aim: Maxillary Kennedy Class I cases, often treated with removable partial dentures (RPDs) employing metallic frameworks. Recent alternatives like polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) milled by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology and polyamide flexible resin (Valaplast) offer advanced options, overcoming the risks accompanying metallic RPDs.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare retention, chewing efficiency, and masticatory performance of Valaplast versus CAD/CAM RPDs in maxillary Kennedy class I cases opposing fixed implant retained prosthesis.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients with maxillary Kennedy Class I were selected and randomly divided into two groups: Group I patients received milled PMMA RPD (MRPD), while Group II patients received Polyamide RPD (PRPD). Denture retention was measured using digital force gauge, masticatory performance through electromyography (EMG), and chewing efficiency via the Chewing Function Quality questionnaire at RPD delivery and after 1, 3, and 6 months. The collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results: In Group I (MRPD), retention was significantly superior than Group II (PRPD). Retention significantly increased in both groups after one month but decreased significantly after six months. In masticatory performance, improvement appeared after one month with no significant disparity between both groups. Regarding chewing efficiency, there was no significant distinction between both groups at different follow-up visits, but they displayed significant improvement after one month.

Conclusion: MRPD and PRPD are acceptable treatment options for restoring maxillary Kennedy class I that showed improvement in retention, muscle activity and chewing efficiency after one month, but PRPD showed lower retentive properties than the MRPD.