Effect of artificial eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance: A randomised double-blind clinical trial

Background: Occlusal interferences lead to changes in mandibular kinematics to compensate and improve function. However, the effects of different types of eccentric disturbance on the comminution capacity are not known. Objective: To determine the immediate effect of eccentric occlusal interferences on masticatory performance. Methods: This crossover clinical trial included 12 healthy dentate subjects aged 25.2 ± 3.3 years who were randomly submitted to seven types of occlusal interference: unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive and mediotrusive, protrusive, dummy and control (no interference). The interference forms were planned in a semi-adjustable articulator, fabricated with composite resin and adhered to the mandibular first molars such that subjects' maximum intercuspation was maintained. Masticatory performance and the chewing rate during 20 cycles were evaluated during subjects' comminution of silicone test food under one interference condition per test day; the multiple sieve method was applied to the comminuted particles. The interference was removed upon test completion, and a 1-week washout period was applied between tests. Results: Comminuted median particle sizes were larger under unilateral (4.94 ± 0.41 mm) and bilateral (4.81 ± 0.49 mm) laterotrusive, bilateral mediotrusive (4.65 ± 0.50 mm) and protrusive (4.83 ± 0.54 mm) interferences (p <.05) than under the control (4.01 ± 0.52 mm) and dummy (4.18 ± 0.58 mm) conditions (p <.05). Only unilateral and bilateral laterotrusive interferences narrowed the comminuted particle size dispersion (p <.05). The chewing rate did not differ among conditions (p =.1944). Conclusion: Artificial eccentric interferences had an immediate adverse effect on masticatory performance by resulting in larger comminuted particles. Clinical trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8g5zfg8).