A 6-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF ORAL FUNCTION IN SHORTENED DENTAL ARCHES .2. CRANIOMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION AND ORAL COMFORT

In this clinical 6-year follow-up study subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 55), characterized by the absence of molar support, are compared with subjects with complete dental arches (CDA, n = 52) w ith respect to items concerning craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort. In addition, a small group of subjects with SDA and removable partial dentures in the lower jaw (SDA + RPD, n = 19) is included in this study. Oral comfort is defined using the following criteria: (i) absence of pain and distress, meaning the absence of signs and symptom s of craniomandibular dysfunction; (ii) chewing ability; and (iii) app reciation of the appearance of the dentition in relation to absent pos terior teeth. Additionally, complaints about the free-end RPD are desc ribed. It is concluded that: (i) a SDA (consisting of 3-5 occlusal uni ts, OU) is not a fisk factor for CMD and is able to provide long-term sufficient oral comfort; and (ii) free-end RPD (in the lower jaw) in S DA do not prevent CMD and do not improve oral function in terms of ora l comfort.