Adhesive-Mediated Enhancement of Occlusal Force Measurements in Patients with Existing and New Complete Dentures: A Pilot Study

A disposable gnathometer was used to compare measurements of incisal and premolar occlusal forces in removable prosthesis-wearing patients with and without the use of a denture adhesive. Twenty-four patients with maxillary complete dentures opposed by complete or partial mandibular dentures were tested. Denture adhesive significantly improved incisal and premolar occlusal force for the maxillary complete dentures, as well as incisal occlusal force for both existing and new dentures. The occlusal force in patients with mandibular removable partial dentures exceeded that with mandibular complete dentures. Denture adhesive appears to be beneficial for both existing and new dentures, with existing dentures exhibiting an increased benefit relative to newer dentures.