Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
The masticatory force of complete denture wearers compared to patients with natural dentition is approximately:
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Correct answer: B. 30% of natural teeth
- A. Complete dentures cannot replicate natural tooth masticatory force — significant reduction occurs.
- B. Correct. Complete denture wearers can generate approximately 20-30% of the masticatory force of patients with natural dentition. This significant reduction is due to the absence of periodontal ligament proprioception, which helps regulate bite force. When given options of 10% and 30%, 30% is the more commonly cited and accepted board answer.
- C. 80% would suggest near-normal function — studies show far greater reduction in complete denture patients.
- D. 10% underestimates the masticatory efficiency — while significantly reduced, complete denture wearers retain more than 10%.
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