Características miofuncionais orofaciais de indivíduos edêntulos no processo de adaptação da prótese dentária total removível

Abstract

Complete edentulism causes aesthetic, structural and functional changes which are minimized through rehabilitation with complete denture. Objective: To analyze the orofacial myofunctional characteristics of edentulous individuals in the adaptation process of removable complete dentures. Methods: A longitudinal comparative descriptive study was carried out with 15 volunteers aged between 50 and 82 years of both genders, who sought treatment at the Dentistry Department of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte for the fabrication of new prostheses. Evaluations were performed with the old prosthesis, and again three months after and two years after using the new prosthesis. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) was used to assess quality of life, the EMG System do Brasil® mandibular force dynamometer for bite force and pellet capsules to measure masticatory efficiency. Data analysis was descriptively and analytically performed with a significance level of 5%. Results: A higher frequency of alternating bilateral masticatory pattern, changes in swallowing in the three evaluations, and distortion in speech were observed at the three-month period. Change in lip and tongue mobility were also observed at baseline and after 3 months. In relation to the OHIP-EDENT domains, there were differences for discomfort and masticatory incapacity between the initial evaluation and after two years, as well as increased bite force between three months and two years. Masticatory efficiency did not present any changes. Conclusion: It is concluded that the preparation and adaptation in using a dental prosthesis promoted changes in swallowing and speech functions, improved quality of life and increased bite force.