Unnoticed swallowing of a unilateral removable partial denture

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00621.x Unnoticed swallowing of a unilateral removable partial denture Objective: This paper presents a case report about an unnoticed swallowing of a partial denture impacted in the esophagus in a 74‐year old man without serious complications. Background data: Dental prostheses (removable/fixed dental prostheses or fragments of dentures) appear to constitute a significant proportion of swallowed of impacted foreign bodies in the orolaryngopharynx. Conclusion: This case emphazises that is advisable to contraindicate this type of unilateral removable partial denture to replace teeth as temporary or definitive dental prosthesis.     

Correlation between factors associated with the removable partial dentures use and Candida spp. in saliva

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00390.x
Correlation between factors associated with the removable partial dentures use and Candida spp. in saliva Objectives: To correlate the presence and number of Candida spp. in the saliva of wearers of removable partial dentures retained with precision attachments with the proportion of metal/acrylic resin present in the dentures. Methods: Saliva samples from 40 removable partial denture wearers (test) and one paired sample of individuals, non‐wearers of any type of removable denture (control) were collected, seeded, and the colony forming units of Candida counted and identified. The metal/acrylic resin proportion of each denture was quantified, using silicone plates pressed over each denture. Results: Candida spp. was found in the saliva of 80% of the individuals in the test group and 65% of the control, with C. albicans being the most prevalent species. The test group presented with the highest number of colony forming units of Candida per ml of saliva, and there was weak correlation between this number and the metal and resin area of the denture (Pearson’s coefficient of correlation). Greater prevalence and a higher number of colony forming units of Candida per ml of saliva occurred in removable partial denture wearers (p = 0.04) with a weak positive correlation between the metal and resin area and the number of colony forming units of Candida per ml of saliva. However, this correlation was more significant for the area of resin.     

A preliminary report of the cost‐effectiveness of tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate elders

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00665.x A preliminary report of the cost‐effectiveness of tooth replacement strategies for partially dentate elders Objective: To compare the cost‐effectiveness of conventional treatment using partial dentures with functionally orientated treatment to replace missing teeth for partially dentate elders using a randomised controlled clinical trial. Background: In many countries, including the Republic of Ireland, the only publically funded treatment option offered to partially dentate older patients is a removable partial denture. However, evidence suggests that these removable prostheses are unpopular with patients and can potentially increase the risk of further dental disease and subsequent tooth loss. Materials and Methods: Fourty‐four partially dentate patients aged 65 years and older were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to the two treatment arms of the study. The conventional treatment group received removable partial dentures to replace all missing natural teeth. The functionally orientated group was restored to a Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) of 10 occluding contacts using resin‐bonded bridgework (RBB). The costs associated with each treatment were recorded. Effectiveness was measured in terms of the impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) using OHIP‐14. Results: Both groups reported improvements in OHRQoL 1 month after completion of treatment. The conventional treatment group required 8.3 clinic visits as compared to 4.4 visits for the functionally orientated group. The mean total treatment time was 183 min 19 s for the conventional group vs. 124 min 8 s for the functionally orientated group. The average cost of treatment for the conventional group was 487.74 Euros compared to 356.20 Euros for the functional group. Conclusions: Functionally orientated treatment was more cost‐effective than conventional treatment in terms of treatment effect and opportunity costs to the patients’ time.     

Effects of denture maintenance on satisfaction levels of Taiwanese elderly using removable partial dentures: a pilot study

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00500.x
Effects of denture maintenance on satisfaction levels of Taiwanese elderly using removable partial dentures: a pilot study Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between patient satisfaction with removable partial dentures and denture maintenance by patients, including regular application of denture adhesives and cleansers. Background: The success of removable partial dentures depends on patient satisfaction with dentures and their regular denture maintenance. Materials and methods: Demographic information, the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) indicator and details of denture maintenance (including the use of denture cleansers and adhesives) were collected from 193 (41.5% men and 58.5% women) participants by using questionnaires. A dentist performed oral examinations to evaluate denture function according to the OIDP items photographically and recorded the number of remaining teeth and Kennedy’s classification. Results: Most participants were satisfied with their removable partial dentures and tended to have higher satisfaction levels than the dentist’s estimation. Further, those using denture adhesives and cleansers had higher satisfaction levels than those not using such denture maintenance. Conclusions: Appropriate education regarding denture use is important because regular denture maintenance by patients affects their degree of satisfaction with dentures, as well as the dentist’s skill and the patient’s oral condition. Dentists could use this information to predict the potential success of dentures.     

Direct restorative treatment of anterior weared teeth after re‐establishment of occlusal vertical dimension: a case report

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00630.x Direct restorative treatment of anterior weared teeth after re‐establishment of occlusal vertical dimension: a case report Objective: The loss of posterior teeth resulting in a lack of stability may lead to excessive mandibular load on some points of occlusion of the remaining teeth, causing wear. The rehabilitation of these cases must be carefully planned and the treatment requires a period of adaptation with a new vertical dimension. Background: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with a loss of almost all posterior inferior teeth and a consequential loss of occlusal vertical dimension and accentuated wear of anterior elements. Materials and methods: Provisional removable partial dentures were manufactured and the patient used them for a period of adaptation prior to restoration of the anterior teeth. After the patient’s adaptation with the new occlusal dimension, anterior restorations were made using a mycrohibrid resin composite with different color aspects for an optimal stratification. Results: The restorations achieved an aesthetic configuration with ideal function as the final result and the occlusion showed a satisfactory stability for a provisional removable partial dentures. Conclusion: This article presents an anterior direct rehabilitation approach not only as an alternative option, but also as viable and less expensive treatment option with an optimally aesthetic and functional result.     

The masticatory handicap of wearing removable dentures in elderly men

Objective: This study aimed at describing the masticatory handicap of wearing removable dentures measured by some masticatory tests and the intake of hard and soft foods. Materials and methods: The subjects were participants in a comprehensive health examination of 67–68‐year‐old men living in Malmö, Sweden. Four hundred eighty‐three men took part in a clinical oral examination which recorded the number of teeth and removable dentures. One hundred and one had complete dentures in both jaws and 131 had removable partial dentures in different combinations. Masticatory tests used almonds to record the number of stokes to the first swallow, and two‐coloured chewing gums for recording bolus kneading and shaping. A nutritionist paid a home visit to assess dietary habits including the consumption of hard and soft foods. The data could be split into groups of different tooth and denture situations which were large enough to enable statistical analysis to be carried out. The results of a regression analysis of the group with different numbers of natural teeth (NT) and no removable dentures could be used as a reference for correlation with the masticatory capacity of removable denture wearers. Results: Number of strokes to the first swallow revealed no masticatory limitations of wearing removable dentures, while chewing gum colour‐mixing and shaping revealed more differentiated impairments equivalent to the function of five to 16 teeth in a remaining natural dentition. Hard food intake for the removable denture groups was comparable to 17–19 NT. Soft food intake was not influenced by denture wearing. In a ranking of oral conditions, those with more than 24 NT had the highest test values for all tests, and those with complete sets of dentures the lowest except for the number of strokes to the first swallow of an almond. Conclusion: Removable denture wearing can be regarded as a handicap when measured with objective masticatory tests using chewing gum and the intake of hard foods. The number of chewing strokes to the first swallow of an almond and the intake of soft foods is not affected by the wearing of removable dentures.     

Partial edentulism and removable partial denture design in a dental school population: a survey in Greece

Gerodontology 2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00382.x Partial edentulism and removable partial denture design in a dental school population: a survey in Greece Objectives: To investigate the pattern of partial edentulism and the most frequent designs of cobalt‐chromium removable partial dentures (RPDs), constructed at the Dental School of Athens, Greece. Methods and materials: Five hundred and fifty‐three patients, between 42 and 81 years old, mostly males, treated by undergraduate dental students, were included. The survey was based on visual evaluation of master casts and work authorisation to dental technicians. Aspects examined were: Kennedy Classification, modification areas, major connectors, clasping, placement of rest seats and indirect retention. Results: Kennedy Class I was the most common encountered in the maxilla (50.5%) and in the mandible (70%). The most frequent major connectors were the lingual bar (92.6%) and the U‐shaped palatal strap (54%). The most common clasp was the Roach (69.2%) in Class I and Class II. In Class III and IV, the most common was the occlusally approaching clasp (55% and 70%). The most frequent location of the rest was mesial of abutment teeth. On the average, 39.5% of Class I RPDs and 58.6% of Class II RPDs had indirect retainers. Conclusion: A combination of the two major philosophies of RPD design (biomechanical and hygienic) was evident in the RPDs examined in our study.     

Fracture resistance of maxillary complete dentures subjected to long-term water immersion

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00616.x Fracture resistance of maxillary complete dentures subjected to long‐term water immersion Objective: This study investigated the fracture resistance of maxillary acrylic resin complete dentures subjected to long‐term water immersion. Materials and Methods: Maxillary acrylic resin complete dentures were fabricated from five denture base resins. Half of the dentures were stored in water for 50 h, and the other half were kept in water for 180 days before testing. Ten specimens were fabricated per group. The flexural load at the proportional limit (FL‐PL) of the dentures was tested. Results: A two‐way anova revealed a significant difference in FL‐PL because of the denture base material variable. There were no significant differences in FL‐PL because of the effect of water immersion and the interaction between the effect of water immersion and the denture base material. The FL‐PLs of the dentures fabricated with the two conventional heat‐processed resins, the pour‐type autopolymerizing resin and the microwave energy‐processed resin were not significantly different from each other; they were significantly higher than the light‐activated resin in regard to their FL‐PL. Conclusion: The FL‐PLs of the maxillary acrylic resin complete dentures did not change after long‐tern water immersion, and the FL‐PL of the denture fabricated from the light‐activated resin was lower than those of the other materials.     

可摘局部义齿戴入后义齿区微生态的改变

可摘局部义齿是口腔活动修复中运用最久最为广泛的一种修复方式,其通过卡环的固位,基托的稳定,连接体的连接,可以使人工牙在患者缺牙间隙发挥相应的咀嚼功能。但是,可摘局部义齿作为一个外源性的异物戴入患者口内后,由于其理化性质与口腔正常环境差别极大,并且占据了口腔中的天然间隙,势必会导致口腔内环境的相应改变。口腔微生物依附于口腔内环境,与宿主共生。当口腔内环境变化时,口腔微生态也会产生相关的变化。研究可摘局部义齿戴入后口腔内微生态的变化可以使我们更好地评估可摘局部义齿的适应证,并指导我们新义齿的设计及开发方向。目前相关研究已相当充分,本文就可摘局部义齿戴入后,口腔微生态的变化作一简单综述。     

Subjective values of different age groups in Japan regarding treatment for missing molars

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00357.x
Subjective values of different age groups in Japan regarding treatment for missing molars Objective: To determine how patients and dentists in Japan value the outcomes of different treatment options for missing molars. Materials and methods: Elderly removable‐denture wearers and dentate persons (senior group), preclinical dental students (young group), and prosthodontists were presented with five possible treatment options for missing lower bilateral first and second molars. The participants indicated on a visual analogue scale how they would value the treatment (utility value: UV), if they had received each of the treatments. Two‐way repeated measures anova was used for statistical analyses. Results: The UV for the shortened dental arch (SDA) without replacement was the lowest in every group. The young group rated the value of cantilever fixed partial dentures (FPD) and implants significantly higher than removable partial dentures (RPD), while the senior group rated the value of FPD and RPD significantly higher than implants. Those having experience with removable dentures were likely to place a higher value on the acrylic RPD. The prosthodontists rated the value of implants significantly higher than any other options. Conclusions: The participants in every group placed the lowest value on the outcome from the SDA in Japan. The denture wearers preferred the RPD, while prosthodontists preferred implants.     

The satisfaction with the removable partial denture therapy in the Croatian adult population

Little is known about the outcomes of treatment and patient's satisfaction with removable partial dentures in adult Croatian population. Therefore patient's satisfaction with their partial dentures in relation to some socio-economic variables was studied. Patient's satisfaction with denture retention, speech, aesthetics, comfort of wearing dentures, chewing ability was also studied in relation to different denture classification, construction, material, denture base shape (major connectors), denture support and the number of missing teeth. A total of 165 patients, 59 males and 105 females between 38 and 87 years took part in this study. A questionnaire, devised for a purpose of the study, was divided into three parts. In the first part, patients answered questions about age, gender, marital status, education, general health, socio-economic status, self-supporting life, period of tooth loss and number of previous denture experiences and in the second part, patients graded their partial dentures, depending on the level of satisfaction, by using a scale from 1 to 5. In the third part a dentist determined Kennedy classification and their modifications, denture material and denture support, denture base shape and the number of missing teeth and graded a denture construction. Influence of these factors on patient's satisfaction was analyzed. A majority of the examined patients were satisfied with the partial prosthesis, but a small amount of dissatisfaction existed. More then half of them scored all the examined parameters to the best score category. Considering chewing with lower partial dentures, women were more satisfied than men (p < 0.05). Patients with more missing teeth gave lower grades for the comfort of wearing dentures (p < 0.05). Patients of higher education gave lower grades (p < 0.05) for the aesthetics. Patients were not satisfied with speech if the dentist graded a construction of a lower partial denture low (p < 0.05). Dissatisfaction was related to mastication, aesthetics, number of missing teeth and ability of speech. These findings can aid a clinician in discussing a treatment plan and help a patient understand the risk of dissatisfaction in the presence of certain factors.     

Bond strength of denture teeth to acrylic resin: effect of thermocycling and polymerisation methods

Background: Failure of bonding between acrylic resin teeth and denture base material is a considerable problem for patients who wear complete dentures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength between acrylic resins and resin denture teeth with different thermocycling and polymerisation methods. Materials and methods: Microwave‐polymerised (Onda‐Cryl), heat‐polymerised (Clássico) and autopolymerising (Jet) acrylic resins and resin denture tooth (Biotone) were used. The acrylic resins were polymerised according to the following: (A) microwave – fast cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (B) microwave – long cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (C) microwave – manufacturer’s cycle, Onda‐Cryl; (T) water bath – long cycle, Clássico; and (Q) bench polymerisation cycle, Jet. Twenty specimens were prepared for each polymerisation method. Ten were thermocycled, and 10 did not receive thermocycling. For the purpose of the study, a shear test was used. Data were analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s multiple comparisons test (p = 0.05). Results: Cycles B, C and T were similar (p > 0.05), and had statistically higher bonding values than cycles A and Q (p < 0.05) for the thermocycled and non‐thermocycled groups. For all cycles, there were no statistically significant differences between thermocycled and non‐thermocycled groups (p > 0.05), except for cycle Q (p = 0.0038). Conclusion: Thermocycling decreased the bond strength, but not significantly for microwave and heat‐polymerised cycles. Regarding the bond strength of denture teeth to acrylic resin, the fast microwave polymerisation cycle should be avoided when polymerising Onda‐Cryl acrylic resin. In addition, Jet acrylic resin is not adequate for use in denture repair.     

Survival analysis of mandibular complete dentures with acrylic‐based resilient liners

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00658.x Survival analysis of mandibular complete dentures with acrylic‐based resilient liners Objective: The purpose of this long‐term randomised controlled trial was to compare the longevity of dentures constructed using a conventional acrylic resin (CAR) to that of dentures constructed using an acrylic‐based resilient liner (ARL). Materials and methods: The follow‐up study was essentially carried out by annual telephone calls to each of the 67 participants. The Kaplan–Meier method and life‐table analysis were used for univariate analyses. The Cox proportional‐hazards test was used as a final model for statistically adjusting predictor variables such as sex, clinician type, mandibular denture type and age at denture delivery. Results: The denture type was likely to affect the survival time of the dentures, while the sex and clinician type were not. The group using acrylic‐based resilient denture liners had twice the risk of having shorter denture‐survival times than those using conventional acrylic resin dentures. Younger participants were likely to have a reduced risk of having shorter denture‐survival times than older participants. Conclusion: We conclude that mandibular complete dentures constructed using ARL are twice as likely as dentures constructed using CAR to have shorter denture survival times, mainly because of material deterioration.     

Effect of pre-processing methods on bond strength between acrylic resin teeth and acrylic denture base resin

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00480.x
Effect of pre‐processing methods on bond strength between acrylic resin teeth and acrylic denture base resin Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of various pre‐processing methods on the bond strength between resin and denture teeth. Backgrounds: Debonding of acrylic resin teeth from denture base material is a problem for patients wearing complete dentures. Materials and Methods: Four experimental groups (n = 30) were investigated by subjecting tooth–resin bonding to tensile loading. Specimens were prepared and tested according to the methods of the International Standards Organization (ISO 22112:2005) using a special assembly. Four pre‐processing surface treatments of teeth were applied: (i) ST₁, no treatment applied (control); (ii) ST₂, wax solvent (Dewaks, Faber Kimya & Ilaç, Turkey); (iii) ST₃, boiling water followed by conditioning with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer (Meliodent, Bayer Dental, Germany); (iv) ST₄, boiling water followed by wax solvent agent and finally MMA monomer application. Bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine. Results: All the strength values of the test groups were within clinically acceptable limits. The lowest values were from the ST₁ group and the highest values were in the ST₄ group. Conclusions: Wax elimination methods affected bonding strength. Application of wax solvent and MMA monomer to the ridge lap surfaces of the teeth gave the best results. In clinical practice, this application procedure may decrease the bonding failure of denture teeth.     

Knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among denture-wearers and non-denture-wearers attending a dental institute in India: a survey report

Objective: Knowledge of subjects regarding prosthodontic treatment may play a role in their acceptance of the prostheses. The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among the denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum. Methods: A self‐designed closed‐ended questionnaire containing 14 questions was designed. Four‐hundred and nineteen subjects aged between 25 and 65 years were surveyed over a period of 2 months. Collected data were statistically analysed using chi‐squared test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: From the 419 subjects surveyed, 140 subjects (33.4%) were dentate and 279 subjects (66.6%) were edentulous either in the maxillary, mandibular or both arches. Among the 279 edentulous subjects, 143 (51.3%) did not use any kind of prosthesis. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge regarding the replacement of teeth by artificial means, the number of visits required for the provision of a complete denture, problems with dentures among subjects using and not using them (p < 0.001) whereas no significant difference was found among the subjects regarding aesthetics with dentures and socializing with friends. Conclusion: Attempts should be made to raise the level of knowledge of both denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute for any dental treatment.     

A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00322.x
A study on oral rehabilitation in stroke patients: analysis of a group of 33 patients Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the oro‐dental status and removable denture conditions in stroke survivors. Methods: At the Department of Vascular Disease of the Neurological Clinic of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, from January 2003 to May 2008, 189 consecutive patients were examined who had had a stroke, to select removable denture wearers. The oro‐dental examination was performed in a period between 12 and 60 months after the stroke and among these 189 patients, 60 were wearing a removable denture, but only 33 participated in our research. All the patients gave written informed consent. Results: It was observed that in 42.4%, removable dentures needed to be remade, in 27.3%, they needed to be rebased and in 30.3%, they were adequate. Conclusion: The role of oral health providers is fundamental in order to maintain good oral health and to avoid oral diseases in stroke patients. They should, indeed, monitor these patients with a regular follow‐up after 1 month and every 3–4 months.     

A 3-year longitudinal study of quality-of-life outcomes of elderly patients with implant- and tooth-supported fixed partial dentures in posterior dental regions

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00592.x
A 3‐year longitudinal study of quality‐of‐life outcomes of elderly patients with implant‐ and tooth‐supported fixed partial dentures in posterior dental regions Background: Clinical studies have mainly been focused on oral health‐related quality‐of‐life (OHRQoL) outcomes of removable dentures. Objective: To evaluate therapy of elderly patients with implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (IFPD) and tooth‐supported fixed partial dentures (FPD) in the posterior dental regions. Patients and methods: The OHIP49 was used to measure OHRQoL in 64 patients with IFPD and 38 patients with FPD, before, 3 weeks and 3 years after rehabilitation. A control group (CG) consisted of 62 individuals. Results: The Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP) follow‐up scores of the patients with FPD and the patients with IFPD were significantly smaller in comparison with the baseline scores (p < 0.01). The OHIP scores were further reduced at the 3‐year follow‐up. The patients with IFPD had significantly higher scores than the patients with FPD and the CG at the baseline and at the follow‐ups. In the patients with FPD, both age groups (≤60 and >60) showed equal improvement of the OHRQoL. In the IFPD group, patients older than 60 years showed better improvement (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences dependent on gender and antagonistic teeth (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The FPD and the IFPD treatment showed significant improvement of OHRQoL. The FPD treatment improved OHRQoL equally in both age groups, while the IFPD treatment improved OHRQoL better in older patients.     

The effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00520.x The effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long‐term disinfection procedures on the Vickers hardness (VHN) of acrylic resin denture teeth. Material and methods: Five acrylic resin denture teeth (Vipi Dent Plus‐V, Trilux–T, Biolux‐B, Postaris‐P and Artiplus‐A) and one composite resin denture teeth (SR‐Orthosit‐O) were embedded in heat‐polymerised acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 h. Measurements of hardness were taken after the following disinfection procedures: immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or in 1% sodium hypochlorite (CIm and HIm group, respectively) and seven daily cycles of microwave sterilisation at 650 W for 6 min (MwS group). In the WIm group, specimens were maintained in water during the time used to perform the disinfection procedures (7 days). Data were analysed with anova followed by the Bonferroni procedure (α = 0.01). Results: Microwave disinfection decreased the hardness of all acrylic resin denture teeth (p < 0.001). Immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or distilled water had significant effect on the hardness of the acrylic resin denture teeth A (p < 0.01), and 1% sodium hypochlorite on teeth T (p < 0.01). All disinfection procedures decrease the hardness of the composite resin denture teeth (p < 0.01). Teeth O exhibited the highest and teeth V the lowest hardness values in the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Disinfection procedures changed the hardness of resin denture teeth.     

Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00294.x
Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients Background: Nowadays, there is some speculation among dental educators that the need for complete dentures will significantly decrease in the future and that training in their provision should be removed from the dental curriculum. Objective: To sensitise the reader to the functional shortcomings of complete denture therapy in the edentulous patient and present restorative options including implants to improve edentulous quality of life in these patients. Methods: Information retrieval followed a systematic approach using PubMed. English articles published from 1964 to 2008, in which the masticatory performance of patients with implant‐supported dentures was assessed by objective methods and compared with performance with conventional dentures, were included. Results: National epidemiological survey data suggested that the adult population in need of one or two complete dentures will increase from 35.4 million adults in 2000 to 37.9 million adults in 2020. Clinical studies have showed that the ratings of general satisfaction were significantly better in the patients treated with implant overdentures post‐delivery compared with the complete denture users. In addition, the implant group gave significantly higher ratings on comfort, stability and ability to chew. Furthermore, patients who received mandibular implant overdentures had significantly fewer oral health‐related quality of life problems than did the conventional group. Conclusion: Implant‐supported dentures including either complete overdentures or a hybrid prosthesis significantly improve the quality of life for edentulous patients compared with conventional removable complete dentures. Therefore, the contemporary dental practitioner should consider other options as well as conventional removable complete dentures to restore edentulous patients.     

Maxillary complete denture movement during chewing in mandibular removable partial denture wearers

Objectives: To evaluate the pattern of maxillary complete denture movement during chewing for free‐end removable partial dentures (RPD) wearers, compared to maxillary and mandibular complete denture wearers. Materials and methods: Eighteen edentulous participants (group I) and 10 volunteers with bilateral posterior edentulous mandibles (group II) comprised the sample. Measures of mean denture movement and its variability were obtained by a kinesiographic instrument K6‐I Diagnostic System, during the mastication of bread and a polysulphide block. Data were analysed using two‐way anova (α = 0.05). Results: Upper movement during chewing was significantly lower for group II, regardless of the test food. The test food did not influence the vertical or lateral position of the denture bases, but more anterior dislocation was found when polysulphide blocks were chewed. Group II presented lower intra‐individual variability for the vertical axis. Vertical displacement was also more precise with bread as a test food. Conclusion: It can be concluded that mandibular free‐end RPD wearers show smaller and more precise movements than mandibular complete denture wearers.