Changes in masticatory laterality 3 months after treatment with unilateral implant-supported fixed partial prosthesis

Objective This study assessed changes in masticatory laterality in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth 3 months after treatment with an implant-supported fixed partial prosthesis (ISFPP). Methods Thirty patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth participated in this prospective study. They were treated with one-, two- or three-unit ISFPPs. The control group comprised 10 healthy individuals with complete natural dentition. Each participant performed masticatory assays at baseline and at 3-month follow-up, chewing pieces of silicon inside a latex bag. Masticatory laterality was determined using three different methods: assessment of the first chewing cycle, of all cycles and application of a visual analogue scale. Data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis or the Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Results Three months after treatment, a significant change in the asymmetry index towards the treated side and a significant reduction in the Unilateral Chewing Index were observed in the ISFPP group. No significant differences in masticatory laterality between groups were detected at 3-month follow-up, regardless of the method assessed. Conclusion Treatment with ISFPPs alters the masticatory laterality, moving it to the treated side and increasing the degree of bilateral chewing in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth.