Rehabilitation of occlusal support by removable partial dentures with free-end saddles

This study aimed to assess the level of restored occlusal support by removable partial dentures with free-end saddles. The maximal clenching force of 61 subjects was measured using pressure sensitive film with and without their dentures. The restored level of occlusal support was estimated from the shift of the occlusal load centre. In comparison with previous results of experimental occlusions using splints for eight normal dentate subjects, the restored level using dentures ranged from 40-60% of that of natural teeth. The analysis of the shift of the occlusal load centre could reasonably evaluate the prostheses from the standpoint of occlusal support.