One hundred and two patients were recruited according to the Eichner’s index, which is based on the number of occlusal support zones. Each subject was instructed to clench a piece of temporary stopping in the particular occluding area
that was preferably used during mastication. The main occluding area was judged by locating the tooth on which the
temporary stopping rested. Subjective masticatory ability was self-assessed by means of a questionnaire