Background:
Literature data and authors’ own observations indicate that edentulous patients are increasingly experiencing signs of masticatory dysfunction. Treatment of these patients should include staged procedures.

Aim of the study:
To conduct an objective comparative assessment of two methods of clinical management and laboratory process of full dentures fabrication with regard to the remission of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Material and methods:
The study material consisted of sixty edentulous patients of both sexes, aged 58 to 68 years. The reason for seeking treatment was pain of the chewing muscles and/ or temporomandibular joints. The patients were divided into two groups: study (Group I – 30 people) and control (Group II – 30 people). On admission and after three months of use of the new prostheses, all patients were interviewed and underwent physical and functional examinations of the masticatory system and assessment of pain in the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. A two-stage procedure was implemented in both groups. The new dentures were made according to two different methods: the biofunctional method (BPS) (Group I) and the conventional calotte method with Cracow modification (Group II). The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:
After three months of new denture use, a greater decrease in the number of reported symptoms of temporomandibular disorders was observed in Group I. In both groups, there was a significant decline in pain sensation following the first stage of treatment.

Conclusions:
1. Reduced intensity of pain after the first stage of treatment, speaks for staged prosthetic rehabilitation. 2. BPS system should be used in the treatment of edentulous patients with temporomandibular disorders.