Bite Force and Muscle Activity in Two- vs. Three-Implant Mandibular Overdentures (TIMOD): A Comparative Study

Edentulism, the complete loss of teeth, affects over 30% of the global population, particularly the elderly, leading to impaired mastication, decreased muscle activity, and reduced quality of life. Conventional complete dentures, though widely used, often provide inadequate stability and retention—especially in the mandibular arch—resulting in patient discomfort and inefficient chewing. Implant-supported overdentures have emerged as a superior alternative, offering improved support, retention, stability, and bone preservation, while enhancing aesthetics and psychological well-being. The McGill Consensus (2002) and New York Consensus (2009) endorse mandibular implant-supported overdentures as the standard of care for edentulous patients. Two-implant overdentures significantly enhance masticatory efficiency and muscle coordination, whereas three-implant overdentures further improve prosthesis stability, reduce screw loosening, and minimize crestal bone loss. This study aims to compare masticatory muscle activity and bite force distribution between two- and three-implant-supported mandibular overdentures using electromyography (EMG) and bite force assessments. Following fabrication of conventional dentures, baseline EMG, bite force, and chewing efficiency will be recorded, followed by implant placement and subsequent evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months. The findings will provide insight into how implant number influences muscle performance, bite dynamics, and functional efficiency in edentulous patients.