Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part I (2020)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the masticatory efficiency with bilateral balanced occlusion and canine guidance occlusion in complete dentures. The study was conducted on 30 patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15 patients each, one with bilateral balanced occlusion dentures and the other with canine guidance. After 3 months, bilateral balanced occlusion scheme was converted to canine guidance and vice-versa for further 3 months. The influence of the two occlusal concepts on masticatory efficiency was determined using photocolorimeteric test. The data so collected was compared and analyzed statistically. The masticatory efficiency was greater with bilateral balanced occlusion complete dentures but the difference was statistically nonsignificant as compared to canine guided complete dentures. The results of the study suggested that canine guidance occlusion concept can also be used in complete dentures as it is simple, easy and less time consuming as compared to bilateral balanced occlusion.