Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00294.x
Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients Background: Nowadays, there is some speculation among dental educators that the need for complete dentures will significantly decrease in the future and that training in their provision should be removed from the dental curriculum. Objective: To sensitise the reader to the functional shortcomings of complete denture therapy in the edentulous patient and present restorative options including implants to improve edentulous quality of life in these patients. Methods: Information retrieval followed a systematic approach using PubMed. English articles published from 1964 to 2008, in which the masticatory performance of patients with implant‐supported dentures was assessed by objective methods and compared with performance with conventional dentures, were included. Results: National epidemiological survey data suggested that the adult population in need of one or two complete dentures will increase from 35.4 million adults in 2000 to 37.9 million adults in 2020. Clinical studies have showed that the ratings of general satisfaction were significantly better in the patients treated with implant overdentures post‐delivery compared with the complete denture users. In addition, the implant group gave significantly higher ratings on comfort, stability and ability to chew. Furthermore, patients who received mandibular implant overdentures had significantly fewer oral health‐related quality of life problems than did the conventional group. Conclusion: Implant‐supported dentures including either complete overdentures or a hybrid prosthesis significantly improve the quality of life for edentulous patients compared with conventional removable complete dentures. Therefore, the contemporary dental practitioner should consider other options as well as conventional removable complete dentures to restore edentulous patients.     

Outcome of implant-supported overdenture treatment--a survey of 58 patients

Gerondontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00524.x
Outcome of implant‐supported overdenture treatment – a survey of 58 patients Objective: The aim of this follow‐up study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of implant‐supported or implant‐retained mandibular overdenture treatment. Material and methods: Altogether 112 patients treated with implant‐supported overdentures between 1985 and 2004 were invited to the follow‐up and 58 attended the clinical examination. The total amount of implants examined and still in use was 197. The average number of implants installed was three (range 2–4), and the mean length of the implants was 12 mm (range 8–21 mm). There were altogether 48 overdentures with a bar connection and 10 with a ball connection. Results: The most frequent prosthetic complications were technical: loosening of the retentive mechanism (39.7%) and breakage of the matrices (5.2%). The most common peri‐implant soft‐tissue findings were bleeding and slight hyperplasia. The implant‐supported overdentures of 19 patients (32.8%) had been renewed, while 39 patients (67.2%) still used their original overdentures, of which the oldest was 20 years old. Conclusion: The results of this long‐term follow‐up study show that the outcome of implant‐supported mandibular overdenture treatment was excellent. The patients were satisfied with the treatment, regardless of the attachment type used. Removable overdentures are more easy to clean and can be cleaned outside the patient’s mouth, whereas fixed‐implant full‐arch dentures in the edentulous mandible require much more time‐consuming hygiene. This kind of overdenture treatment is suitable also in the elderly, even though their ability to practice appropriate oral hygiene might be decreased.     

Investigation of factor affecting health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00662.x Investigation of factor affecting health‐related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have profound illness of physical, social and psychological factors that affects quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting HRQL in patients with intra‐oral prostheses. Background: Some cross‐sectional studies have been performed to investigate HRQL in patients with HNC, but these studies did not report in detail how factors affect the HRQL of maxillectomy and mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients. Materials and Methods: The University of Washington Quality of Life version 4 questionnaires (Japanese version) was administered to 50 maxillectomy and 50 mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients with intra‐oral prostheses who were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Gathered data were statistically analyzed to investigate how a number of factors, namely, age, sex, pathologic diagnosis, neck dissection, resection size, radiotherapy and dental condition affect HRQL. Results: In the maxillectomy patients, there were no significant differences between malignant and benign tumor in pathological diagnosis or between dentate and edentulous in dental condition. Age, sex, neck dissection and radiotherapy affected HRQL. In the mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients, there was no significant difference between dentate and edentulous in dental condition. Age, sex, glossectomy, neck dissection and radiotherapy affected HRQL. Conclusions: The factors affecting HRQL in the maxillectomy patients were different from those in the mandibulectomy and/or glossectomy patients. Though they wore stable prostheses; we were still able to show that resection size, radiotherapy and neck dissection affected HRQL.     

Implant supported dentures: an estimation of chewing efficiency

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00303.x
Implant supported dentures: an estimation of chewing efficiency Background: Treatment of edentulous patients is one of the most demanding tasks the dentist can meet in his everyday practice. Implant based methods help to improve functioning of dentures and life quality of so treated patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the chewing efficiency of patients treated with lower complete implant‐supported overdentures and the simultaneous evaluation of treatment results by patients. Materials and methods: For the investigation were chosen edentulous patients, treated with upper conventional complete dentures and lower complete overdentures supported on two implants. In this group of patients, were conducted investigations of chewing efficiency changes, based on the Optocal test and overdentures functioning evaluation made by patients in the survey. Results: The objective evaluation of the chewing efficiency indicated the decrease of this value in the five years of observations. Lower complete overdentures supported on implants significantly increased the comfort of chewing of edentulous patients. Conclusions: The results of the study let us to assess positively the result of the therapy using titanium implants and lower complete overdentures. The therapy described significantly increases the life comfort of the edentulous patients. Decreasing chewing efficiency indicated by the research result should be compensated with the dentures maintaining or the prostheses exchange after about five years of use.     

The potential benefits of dental implants on the oral health quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease

Objective: To investigate how dental implants impact on the oral health quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: PD is a progressive neurological disorder that can result in a number of oral health care challenges, including denture difficulties. Lack of evidence related to use of implants in PD prompted this study to investigate their use in this group of people. Materials and methods: Nine people with PD were provided with either fixed or removable prostheses using Astra‐Tech implants. Participants completed the socio‐dental questionnaire, ‘The Dental Impact on Daily Living Assessment’ (DIDL) prior to implant surgery, and at 3 and 12 months after provision of the final prosthesis. DIDL comprises two components – the Oral Health Quality of Life Inventory (OH‐QoL) and the Self‐Reported Assessment of Oral Health and Functional Status (SROH). Results: Nine people (with an age range of 54–77 years) had implants placed. The implant success rate was 85 and 81% in the maxilla and mandible, respectively. The OH‐QoL and SROH results (analysed using the one‐way analysis of variance and pairwise multiple comparisons) demonstrated a significant improvement in the domains of eating and satisfaction with the prosthesis after 3 months, which was maintained at the twelve month review. The OH‐QoL indicated a gradual improvement in oral well‐being over the 12‐month period. Conclusion: The oral health quality of life of people with PD was improved by the use of dental implants, indicating this as a viable treatment option.     

The effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and EMG

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00389.x The effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and EMG Objective: To compare the effect of different attachment systems with implant‐retained overdentures on maximum bite force and muscle activity using electromyography (EMG). Background: Denture retention and stability is of considerable interest in prosthetic dentistry. Materials and methods: Thirty‐five patients were examined: 15 edentulous patients treated with mandibular implant‐retained overdentures (MIRO) and maxillary dentures (MCD) (two implant‐ball attachment) (BC); 10 edentulous patients treated with MIRO and MCD (four implants‐bar attachments) (BRC); 10 patients with edentulous mandibular treated with MIRO and maxillary fixed partial dentures (MFPD) (two implant‐ball attachments) (BF). Before implant placement all patients received new dentures. After using these dentures for 3 months the maximum bite force and electrical activity of masseter muscle were measured. Two or four implants were then inserted into the intraforaminal region. After osseointegration periods, patients were treated with MIRO which duplicated their dentures and after three months the measurements were repeated. The data were collected and statistically analysed. Results: Muscle activity and chewing ability increased in the second period of measurements. Also chewing time was significantly decreased at the first measurements. The highest muscle activity was observed in the group of patients treated with group BF. Conclusion: The EMG values of the masseter muscle significantly increased when an implant attachments was used in the overdenture.     

Elders with implant overdentures: a 22-year clinical report

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00628.x Elders with implant overdentures: a 22‐year clinical report Objective: To report on the long‐term survival and prosthodontic maintenance of two edentulous adults with mandibular overdentures supported by hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated implants. Background: Mandibular implant overdentures are a successful treatment option with positive impact on the quality of life of elderly edentulous adults. Long‐term survival of the implants requires continued rigorous prosthodontic maintenance. Clinical report: Two elderly edentulous adults with mandibular overdentures supported by 2 HA‐coated implants were presented for prosthodontic rehabilitation after 22 years of placement. The implants were osseo‐integrated and surviving at presentation based on accepted criteria. The mandibular implant overdentures suffered recurrent loss of retention and stability. Prosthodontic treatment involving the replacement of defective attachment systems and construction of new sets of mandibular implant overdentures opposing complete maxillary dentures is presented. Conclusion: The long‐term survival of mandibular 2‐implant overdentures requires continued prosthodontic maintenance. A conservative approach in the rehabilitation of two older edentulous adults with mandibular 2‐implant overdentures was described including proper selection of attachment systems.     

Treatment of midfacial defects using prostheses supported by ITI dental implants

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the use of ITI dental implants used for anchoring facial prostheses in the restorative treatment of midface defects. The authors analyzed the clinical data of 26 patients with orbital defects (n = 11), orbitonasal defects (n = 4), orbitonasomaxillary defects (n = 3), and nasal defects (n = 8). Data included age, sex, primary disease, implant position, implant length, implant failure, prosthetic attachment, radiation therapy, and peri-implant skin reactions. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then on a yearly basis. The authors noted the status of healing and complications, if any. In total, 62 implants were placed as follows: 27 (43.5 percent) for orbital prostheses, 12 (19.4 percent) for orbitonasal prostheses, 14 (22.6 percent) for orbitonasomaxillary prostheses, and nine (14.5 percent) for nasal prostheses. Thirty-eight implants (61.3 percent) were placed in previously irradiated areas in 18 patients (69.2 percent). Mild skin reactions together with mild accumulation of sebaceous crusting around implants were recorded in 14.2 percent of the skin observations. No patient experienced severe inflammation requiring administration of systemic antibiotics or surgical revision. Implant success was 100 percent in both irradiated and nonirradiated patients. In conclusion, ITI dental implants result in a high rate of success in retaining midface prostheses and offer good stability and aesthetic satisfaction.     

The orodental status of a group of elderly in-patients: a preliminary assessment

Objective: To provide a preliminary assessment of the orodental status and dental treatment requirements of a group of elderly in-patients. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Acute Care of the Elderly and Stroke Rehabilitation units at teaching hospitals in Merseyside. Subject: 150 patients aged 58 to 94 years, in which a history could be validated at interview. Intervention: Questionnaire administered by dentist and clinical examination. Main outcome measures: Registration with a dentist, prosthetic status and difficulties with dentures, denture hygiene and identification marking, dental treatment needs and evidence of mucosal pathology. Results: Only 27% of patients claimed registration with a dentist. Three quarters of the patients were edentulous and 66 patients wore full dentures; 18 had no prostheses. Difficulties were experienced by one quarter of patients with upper dentures, compared with a half of lower denture wearers. Of the dentures available for inspection, 61 % had removable soft debris, 66% were left out at night and 75% were cleaned by the patient, whilst on the ward. No dentures had evidence of identification marking. Of the 39 partially dentate patients, 75% required interventive dental treatment. Denture stomatitis was diagnosed in 29% of patients and 19 had evidence of benign mucosal pathology. Conclusions: The orodental status of this group of elderly in-patients was poor, with a high proportion being edentulous. Few were registered with a dentist and denture hygiene was inadequate. Lack of identification marking is a matter of concern. Closer liaison between hospital staff responsible for elderly in-patients is required, to improve the orodental health and quality of life of this medically compromised group of patients.     

Maxillary reconstruction with a fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap and simultaneous insertion of osseointegrated dental implants

The fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap is a good option for reconstruction of three-dimensional composite maxillary defects. This flap provides both bone and soft-tissue reconstruction and allows osseointegrated dental implantation, either simultaneously or in a second-stage procedure. Simultaneous placement of osseointegrated dental implants reduces operative sessions and allows faster oral rehabilitation for properly selected patients. The defects may result from trauma or resection of benign tumors or low-grade malignancies. Between August of 1999 and July of 2001, three patients underwent maxillary reconstruction with the fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and simultaneous osseointegrated dental implants. The cause of the defect was trauma in two cases and resection of an adenoid cystic carcinoma in the other. The mean length of the fibula used for bony reconstruction was 4.7 cm. One osteotomy was performed in one case and no osteotomy was necessary in the other two. Skin islands of 8 x 2.5 cm and 16 x 3.5 cm were used for two patients. For the other patient, a double skin island was used for both nasal (6 x 4 cm) and oral (6 x 5 cm) reconstructions. Two osseointegrated implants were inserted into the fibular bone for each patient. Six months after the first-stage procedure, palatal rotation flaps or mucosa grafts were used to cover the exposed implant necks and prepare the implants for prostheses. One month after the second-stage procedure, prostheses were placed. An implant-supported prosthesis was used for one patient and implant/tissue-supported prostheses were used for the others. At a mean follow-up time of 30 months (range, 16 to 38 months), all patients were able to use the dental prosthesis for chewing (beginning 6 weeks after the final procedure) and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.     

Knowledge and attitude of elderly persons towards dental implants

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00586.x Knowledge and attitude of elderly persons towards dental implants Background: Despite their unrivalled place in restorative treatment, dental implants are still scarcely used in elderly patients. Introduction: The aim of this survey was therefore to identify potential barriers for accepting an implant treatment. Materials and methods: Participants were recruited from a geriatric hospital, two long‐term‐care facilities and a private clinic. The final study sample comprised 92 persons, 61 women and 31 men with an average age of 81.2 ± 8.0 years. In a semi‐structured interview, the participants’ knowledge of implants and attitude towards a hypothetical treatment with dental implants were evaluated. Results: Twenty‐seven participants had never heard of dental implants, and another 13 participants could not describe them. The strongest apprehensions against implants were cost, lack of perceived necessity and old age. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis identified being women, type and quality of denture, having little knowledge on implants and being hospitalised as the risk factors for refusing implants. However, old age as such was not associated with a negative attitude. Conclusion: The acceptance of dental implants in the elderly population might be increased by providing further information and promoting oral health in general. Regardless of the age, dental implants should be placed when patients are still in good health and live independently.     

Biofilm formation of Candida albicans on the surface of a soft denture‐lining material

Background: Soft denture lining‐materials are more susceptible to microbial adhesion than hard denture base acrylic resin. Poor oral hygiene and Candida albicans infection are common among elderly denture wearers as these patients usually have difficulty in keeping them clean. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of the oral hygiene methods on the formation of a biofilm over a soft denture‐lining material. Material and methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly separated into two groups: G1 and G2. Ten volunteers performed daily hygiene of the prostheses with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. The G2 performed a treatment identical to G1 but also immersed the prostheses in sodium hypochlorite 0.5% for 20 min, once a week. Quantification of the mean score values of biofilm formation at different times were statistically analysed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: G1 (0.65 ± 0.52) showed the lowest mean score values of biofilm formation. There was statistical difference between G1 and G2. The highest mean score values were found at 6 weeks (1.3 ± 1.08) and were statistically different from other times. Conclusion: The oral hygiene methods had a significant effect in the formation of the biofilm over a soft denture‐lining material.     

General health, dental status and perceived dental treatment needs of an elderly population in Istanbul

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00363.x
General health, dental status and perceived dental treatment needs of an elderly population in Istanbul Background: Comprehensive data on the oral health status and dental treatment needs of the elderly population in Turkey are deficient. Objectives: This pilot study determined the general and dental health status, perceived medical and dental treatment needs of an elderly population dwelling in residential homes in Istanbul. Method: Subjects at three different residential homes, namely one belonging to the state and two supported by foundations in Istanbul (N=121, female: 63 and male: 58) were involved in this study. A detailed questionnaire was prepared and dental examinations were conducted. Information was collected related to age, education levels, financial status, current physical functional status, general health, mental health, previous dental history, current dental status, oral hygiene practices and denture hygiene of these elderly people. The prevalence of edentulism, the presence and type of dental prostheses, dental and denture status and denture cleanliness were further evaluated. Results: The three most prevalent reported general health problems were associated with genito‐urinary problems (24%) followed by cardiovascular (18%) and respiratory problems (14%) varying significantly between genders, with males suffering more from cardiovascular problems than females (p < 0.05). Females showed significantly higher gastrointestinal and orthopaedic problems than males (p < 0.05). Females were more frequently edentulous than males but denture hygiene was significantly better in females than in males (p < 0.05). Brushing frequency did not significantly increase denture hygiene (p = 0.6). More than one‐third of the subjects had not been to the dentist within the previous 5–10 years, mainly due to lack of demand, followed by the cost of the dental care and fear. More than two‐thirds of denture‐wearing subjects wore their dentures only during eating. Conclusions: There was significant perceived dental treatment and care need for the sample population of elderly studied.     

Implant overdentures for edentulous elders: study of patient preference

Background: Studies show that elders wearing implant overdentures have improved nutrition and quality of life. However, upfront costs of this therapy are high, and the income of elderly edentulous populations is low. Objectives: This study was designed (i) to measure the preferences of edentulous patients for mandibular two‐implant overdentures using Willingness‐To‐Pay (WTP) and Willingness‐To‐Accept (WTA), (ii) to assess the effect of long‐term financing on WTP and (iii) to assess the desired role of health care plans in financing dental prostheses. Methods: Edentulous elders (68–79 years; n = 36) wearing maxillary dentures and either a mandibular conventional denture (CD, n = 13) or a two‐implant overdenture with ball attachments (IOD, n = 23) participated in this study. All had received their prostheses 2 years previously, as part of a randomised clinical trial. A three‐part questionnaire was completed during a 20‐min interview with a trained researcher. Results: Forty‐six per cent (6/13) of the CD wearers and 70% (16/23) of the IOD wearers were willing to pay three times more than the current cost of conventional dentures for implant prostheses. These percentages were increased to 77% (CD) and 96% (IOD) if participants could pay for implant overdentures in monthly instalments. Eighty‐six per cent (31/36) of all participants in both groups (21/23 IOD; 10/13 CD) thought that the government should cover at least some of the cost of implant overdentures. Conclusions: This study shows that, the majority of elderly edentate individuals who have not experienced mandibular two‐implant overdenture therapy are willing to pay the cost, particularly when payment can be made in monthly instalments.     

Oral implants in dependent elderly persons: blessing or burden?

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00314.x
Oral implants in dependent elderly persons: blessing or burden? Background: Implant‐supported (partial) dentures may raise problems in patients who have become dependent on others for daily oral health care. Dental hygienists and general dental practitioners, as well as care providers, volunteer aiders and even health care insurance companies, should anticipate the growing demand for specific oral health care for patients provided with implant‐supported (partial) dentures. Objective: To report three cases of dependent patients and to present recommendations to prevent or resolve implant‐related oral problems. Materials and methods: The three case reports are demonstrating that implant insertion in (dependent) elderly people needs careful consideration. Discussion: When considering implant treatment, some questions should be raised: (1) Is the treatment appropriate in contributing to the patient’s well‐being and quality of life? (2) Is the treatment the most suitable treatment? (3) Does the treatment integrate with the patient’s oral health care plan? (4) Is the patient sufficiently cooperative? (5) Is the patient supported by a well‐functioning oral (self) care assisting network? (6) Is it possible for the patient to regular see an oral health care professional and is oral health care easily accessible in cases of an emergency? Conclusion: Dependent elderly people can benefit from oral implants, providing that adequate oral health care and aftercare can be provided. When indicated, removal of the anchorage structure is easily performed by putting the implants to sleep. All implant patients should be provided with an ‘implant passport’. Regular information and instruction for care providers about the oral condition of the patient are essential.     

Oral health and treatment needs of the long-term hospitalised elderly

Objectives: To determine the oral health and treatment needs of the long‐term hospitalised elderly. Setting: The Laakso long‐term hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Design: A cross‐sectional study with clinical oral examinations. Subjects: All long‐term patients (n = 260) aged 60 and older. Main outcome measures: Edentulousness, presence and hygiene of dentures, mucosal findings, number of teeth, functioning teeth and tooth remnants, level of dental hygiene, and need for operative treatment. Results: Subjects’ mean age was 83.3 years (SD = 8.1); 42% were edentulous, 45% of women and 33% of men (p = 0.12). With no gender difference, 41% had removable dentures, but one in four were considered to be in need of repair or replacement. Denture hygiene was good in 19%, moderate in 44%, and poor in 37%, and for men worse than for women (p = 0.02). Stomatitis was found in 25%, and angular cheilitis in 28% of the denture wearers. The dentate subjects had on average 12.4 (SD = 8.6) teeth with a clear difference by age (p = 0.03), but no difference by gender. Dental hygiene was considered poor. Of the dentate subjects, 37% were in need of restorations, 51% of periodontal therapy and 42% of extractions. Conclusions: Oral cleanliness should be improved with regards to dentures and teeth. More attention should be focused on dental care of the long‐term hospitalised elderly.     

Implant-supported palatal lift prosthesis in a patient with velopharyngeal incompetence: a case report

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00561.x Implant‐supported palatal lift prosthesis in a patient with velopharyngeal incompetence: a case report Objective: To describe the use of dental implants in the treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence. Background: Velopharyngeal incompetence is characterized by the inability to contract the tissues of the soft palate. The most common causes are neuromuscular problems resulting from concussion and degenerative conditions of the central nervous system. Materials and methods: The treatment using palatal lift prosthesis is well established in the literature; however, reports on the use of osseointegrated implants are scarce. Rehabilitation using only this type of fibromucosal support is difficult in edentulous patients, since the prosthesis has a palatal lift extension. Results: The implants provided retention and stability to the prosthesis, improving swallowing and speech and contributing to improve the patient’s quality of life. Conclusion: This article reports the rehabilitation of a patient with a totally edentulous maxilla with velopharyngeal incompetence using an implant‐retained palatal lift prosthesis.     

New Design for Rapid Prototyping of Digital Master Casts for Multiple Dental Implant Restorations

Aim

This study proposes the replacement of all the physical devices used in the manufacturing of conventional prostheses through the use of digital tools, such as 3D scanners, CAD design software, 3D implants files, rapid prototyping machines or reverse engineering software, in order to develop laboratory work models from which to finish coatings for dental prostheses. Different types of dental prosthetic structures are used, which were adjusted by a non-rotatory threaded fixing system.

Method

From a digital process, the relative positions of dental implants, soft tissue and adjacent teeth of edentulous or partially edentulous patients has been captured, and a maser working model which accurately replicates data relating to the patients oral cavity has been through treatment of three-dimensional digital data.

Results

Compared with the conventional master cast, the results show a significant cost savings in attachments, as well as an increase in the quality of reproduction and accuracy of the master cast, with the consequent reduction in the number of patient consultation visits. The combination of software and hardware three-dimensional tools allows the optimization of the planning of dental implant-supported rehabilitations protocol, improving the predictability of clinical treatments and the production cost savings of master casts for restorations upon implants.     

Clinical feasibility of mandibular implant overdenture retainers submitted to immediate load

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00374.x
Clinical feasibility of mandibular implant overdenture retainers submitted to immediate load Introduction: Millions of people around the world do not have access to the benefits of osseointegration. Treatments involving oral rehabilitation with overdentures have been widely used by specialists in the oral medicine field. This is an alternative therapy for retention and stability achievement in total prosthesis with conventional treatment, and two implants are enough to establish a satisfactory overdenture. Objective: The objectives of the study were to evaluate 16 patients of both sexes, with an average age of 47.4 ± 4 years, using electromyographic analysis of masseter and temporal muscles and analyse the increase of incisive and molar maximal bite force with their existing complete dentures and following mandibular implant overdenture therapy to assess the benefits of this treatment. Materials and methods: For these tests, the Myosystem‐BR1 electromyograph and the IDDK Kratos dynamometer were used. Statistical analysis was performed using the repeated measures test (SPSS 17.0). Results: A decrease in electromyographic activity during the rest, lateral and protrusion movements and increase of the maximal incisive and molar bite force after 15 months with a mandibular implant overdenture was observed. Conclusion: All the patients in this study reported a considerable improvement in the masticatory function and prostheses stability following treatment. It is possible to propose that the use of mandibular implants overdenture should become the selected treatment for totally edentulous patients to facilitate oral function and quality of life.