Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00499.x Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample Aim: Denture marking is useful in institutional settings and post‐mortem identification. Numerous markers have been developed, and their advantages and limitations assessed previously; however, patient perception to denture marking is paramount. We evaluated this in an Indian sample and also gauged their preference for different markers. Materials and methods: One‐hundred and one edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in our institution were shown four denture markers (stainless steel matrix band, paper strip with name inscribed on it, patient photograph and optically readable laminated bar code) and asked whether they wanted similar markers in their dentures; patients were also asked to rank the markers based on preference and indicate their satisfaction with it. Results: Approximately two‐thirds of patients (65/101) were uninterested in getting their dentures marked; among the 36 who agreed, 10 preferred the stainless steel band followed by photographs (9), paper strip (6) and bar code (2); nine gave multiple responses and were excluded from analyses. Sixteen patients expressed dissatisfaction with the photographic marker and bar code, while this number reduced for the stainless steel band (13) and paper strip (10). Conclusions: The results are in contrast to European studies wherein the majority of patients agreed to denture marking, indicating patient background (e.g. education level) may affect perception to denture marking; amongst those who agreed to marking, most preferred, or were satisfied with, the stainless steel and paper strip markers over photographic marker and a complex method such as bar‐coding, implying that simple methods harbouring basic patient information may suffice in the Indian context.     

Influence of different metal flask systems on tooth displacement in complete upper dentures

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00392.x Influence of different metal flask systems on tooth displacement in complete upper dentures Objective: To verify the occurrence of tooth displacement in dentures processed by moist hot‐polymerisation using traditional and experimental metal flask systems. Materials and methods: Waxed complete dentures were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10), including traditional (TF) and experimental flasks (DF and HHF). Metal pins were placed at the incisal edge of maxillary central incisors (I), buccal cusp of first premolars (P) and mesiobuccal cusp of second molars (M). Transversal (I–I, P–P and M–M) and anteroposterior (LI–LM and RI–RM) distances were measured before and after denture processing using an optical microscope. The dentures were processed by hot water curing cycle (9 h/74°C). Collected data were analysed by anova , Paired Student’s t‐test and Holm–Sidak method (p < 0.05). Results: All measured distances demonstrated contraction after polymerisation, except for LI–LM in TF and RI–RM in DF and HHF. Statistically significant differences were found between the distances P–P for DF and HHF, and M–M for all groups. Comparison among flask systems revealed statistically significant difference in the P–P distance for the TF and HHF. Conclusion: Different flask systems did not cause variation in tooth displacement during denture processing, with the exception of P–P distances for the TF and HHF. There is no evidence that different metal flask systems would promote tooth displacement of clinical significance.     

Use of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments with removable partial denture: case report

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00298.x
Use of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments with removable partial denture: case report Introduction: Resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments may be indicated for the abutment teeth of removable partial dentures, especially for anterior teeth when a cingulum rest must be provided. This type of treatment has a series of advantages such as minimal tooth reduction, supragingival margins, favourable stress distribution, and improved aesthetic appearance. Objective: To report a clinical case of oral rehabilitation using a combination of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments joined by a Dolder bar with a removable partial denture. Case report: A 60‐year‐old male patient with only the canines in the maxillary arch was restored with a combination of resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments joined by a Dolder bar and a removable partial denture. Conclusion: Dentures with resin‐bonded extracoronal attachments can have a number of advantages over traditional clasp‐retained removable partial dentures.     

Effectiveness of different cleaning agents on the adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic denture base resin

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00379.x
Effectiveness of different cleaning agents on the adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic denture base resin Objective:  To evaluate the ability of three alkaline peroxide‐type (Polident, Efferdent, Fittydent) and two mouth rinse cleaning agents (CloSYSII and Corsodyl) to inhibit Candida albicans on acrylic denture base resin. Background:  Appropriate routine cleaning of dentures is necessary to prevent denture stomatitis and maintenance of healthy supporting tissues. Materials and methods:  A total of 180 acrylic resin specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm) were prepared and divided into six groups. Candida albicans was incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) at 37°C for 48 h. After dilution, a final yeast suspension of approximately 10 6 C. albicans per millimetre was prepared. Ten acrylic resin specimens for each group were placed in a sterile Petri dish covered with 20 ml of fungal suspension and incubated at 37°C for 90 min. Then, the specimens were immersed in 40 ml of the test solution at 37°C for 15, 30 and 60 min. Fungal cells adhering to acrylic resin surfaces were fixed in formaldehyde and counted microscopically. Results:  Mouth rinses showed the highest removal activity for all the treatment times and completely eliminated the adherence of C. albicans. Conclusions:  The use of mouth rinse may be a suitable method for cleaning dentures.     

Two-dimensional finite element analysis of stresses developed in the supporting tissues under complete dentures using teeth with different cusp angulations

Statement of problem: The selection of appropriate teeth for complete denture occlusion is very important for long‐term success, and adequate maintenance of the residual alveolar ridge. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the stress generated underneath the complete denture by altering the cuspal angulations of the denture teeth. Material and methods: A two‐dimensional finite element model of a coronal section of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures, mucosa and alveolar bone in the first molar region was designed. The occlusal aspect of the denture teeth was altered to make 33°, 20°, 0° cuspal angulation. All the nodes at the bases of maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone of finite element analysis models were restrained in all directions. A functional occlusal load of 50 N was applied through the mandibular model base. To design these models and to analyse them, EMRC’s NISA II finite element analysis computer software was used. In these models, the elements were selected (a, b, c, d, e, f) in the region where it was necessary to determine the stresses generated in both the maxillary and mandibular portions. Results: The results were interpreted as Von Mises stresses and were observed in pre‐defined areas. The stress patterns observed within model with each type of posterior occlusion, showed unique variations as well as some similarities. Conclusion: Stresses of greater magnitude were observed in cuspal teeth, 33° and 20° respectively, where as 0° teeth showed a slightly less magnitude of stress generated.     

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.     

The oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with Conventional complete dentures

Objective: To compare the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture. Background: Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP‐EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods: Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws. Result: The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP‐EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11). Conclusion: Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.     

Examination of denture-cleaning methods based on the quantity of microorganisms adhering to a denture

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00461.x Examination of denture‐cleaning methods based on the quantity of microorganisms adhering to a denture Objectives: To investigate effective denture‐cleaning methods, we examined the relationships between the quantity of microorganisms adhering to dentures and the use of a denture brush and the frequency of use of a denture cleanser. Subjects and Methods: Denture plaque was collected from the mucosal surface of the examined dentures, which were 142 and 80 upper and lower complete dentures, respectively, worn by 96 outpatients (mean age: 71.9 years) of a university hospital and 41 nursing home residents (mean age: 84.8 years). The collected microorganisms were counted in terms of isolated representative colonies that were cultured and identified using standard methods. The use of a denture brush, the frequency of use, and the type and soaking time of denture cleansers as denture‐cleaning methods were surveyed. Results: The quantity of microorganisms was significantly lower in dentures of denture brush users than in those of non‐users in the outpatients (p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U test). The quantity of microorganisms was significantly lower in the dentures of outpatients who used a denture cleanser daily or 3–4 times a week than in those who used one once or less per month and in the dentures of nursing home residents who used one daily than in those who used one at other frequencies (p < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn’s Multiple Comparison test). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the use of a denture brush and daily use of denture cleanser should be recommended to complete dentures wearers as denture‐cleaning methods that effectively reduce the quantity of microorganisms adhering to dentures.     

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.     

Clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives by complete denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.436.x Clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives by complete denture wearers Objective: The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives and whether the results were correlated to Kapur Index for denture‐supporting tissues. Background: Various types of denture adhesives are used among denture patients. However, information on the clinical behaviour of denture cushions is limited. Materials and methods: Thirty edentulous patients had their denture‐supporting tissues scored by Kapur Index and their old dentures replaced. They received three brands of denture cushion adhesives (Fittydent^®, Protefix^® and Seabond^®) and were instructed to use them in a sequence according to the group they were randomly assigned to. Each brand of adhesive was used for 48 h on the lower denture according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. After each brand was used, participants spent 24 h without applying any sort of adhesive. Finally, a questionnaire evaluating and comparing the performance of each brand was filled out. Results: Denture adhesives generally improved patient satisfaction and masticatory ability, especially in participants with poor Kapur Index and those who reported a poor retention of their old dentures. Conclusion: Fittydent^® was the most preferred adhesive, showing the best retention and the longest duration of its effect, but also reported as difficult to remove from the denture‐bearing area.     

The occurrence of porosity in reline acrylic resins. Effect of microwave disinfection

Background: Microwave energy has proved to be an effective method for disinfecting acrylic dentures. However, the effect of microwave heating on the porosity of autopolymerising denture reline resins has not been investigated. Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of microwave disinfection on the porosity of autopolymerised denture reline materials (Kooliner‐K, New Truliner‐NT, Tokuso Rebase Fast‐TR and Ufi Gel Hard‐UGH) and a conventional heat‐polymerised denture base resin (Lucitone 550‐L). Material and methods: Specimens (10 mm × 20 mm × 1 mm) were obtained from the impression surface of the palatal mucosa in a single person and divided into four groups (n = 5). The porosity was evaluated after polymerisation (C1), after two cycles of microwave disinfection (MW2), after seven cycles of microwave disinfection (MW7) and after 7 days storage in water at 37°C (C2). Specimens from group MW7 were exposed to microwave disinfection daily being stored in water at 37°C between exposures. All the replicas were sputter coated with gold and micrographs/digital images were taken of each replica using scanning electron microscopy at magnification × 100. The SEM micrographs were then examined using an image analyser to determine the number of pores. Comparison between materials and groups were made using Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: MW7 resulted in a significant increase in the number from the pores of material K, but decreased in number in reline material TR and UGH reline resin. The number of pores in materials NT and L remained unaffected following microwave disinfection. Conclusion: Differences in the porosity amongst the materials and for different experimental conditions were observed following microwave disinfection.     

The orodental status of a group of elderly in-patients: a preliminary assessment

Objective: To provide a preliminary assessment of the orodental status and dental treatment requirements of a group of elderly in-patients. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Acute Care of the Elderly and Stroke Rehabilitation units at teaching hospitals in Merseyside. Subject: 150 patients aged 58 to 94 years, in which a history could be validated at interview. Intervention: Questionnaire administered by dentist and clinical examination. Main outcome measures: Registration with a dentist, prosthetic status and difficulties with dentures, denture hygiene and identification marking, dental treatment needs and evidence of mucosal pathology. Results: Only 27% of patients claimed registration with a dentist. Three quarters of the patients were edentulous and 66 patients wore full dentures; 18 had no prostheses. Difficulties were experienced by one quarter of patients with upper dentures, compared with a half of lower denture wearers. Of the dentures available for inspection, 61 % had removable soft debris, 66% were left out at night and 75% were cleaned by the patient, whilst on the ward. No dentures had evidence of identification marking. Of the 39 partially dentate patients, 75% required interventive dental treatment. Denture stomatitis was diagnosed in 29% of patients and 19 had evidence of benign mucosal pathology. Conclusions: The orodental status of this group of elderly in-patients was poor, with a high proportion being edentulous. Few were registered with a dentist and denture hygiene was inadequate. Lack of identification marking is a matter of concern. Closer liaison between hospital staff responsible for elderly in-patients is required, to improve the orodental health and quality of life of this medically compromised group of patients.     

In vivo assessment of the effect of an adhesive for complete dentures on colonisation of Candida species

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00345.x
In vivo assessment of the effect of an adhesive for complete dentures on colonisation of Candida species Objective: Denture adhesives have long been recognised by denture wearers as a useful adjunct to denture retention and stability. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, in vivo, the effect of a denture adhesive on oral quantities of Candida species by determination of absolute counts of colony‐forming units (CFU) per ml of saliva of individuals who use this denture adhesive for a period of 14 days. Materials and methods: Twenty‐four individuals were randomised in two equal groups of 12 (test and control), with the individuals of the test group using the adhesive for 14 days. Samples of saliva were collected from all individuals on days 0 (initial), 7 and 14. Aliquots of saliva were diluted and plated in duplicate on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and incubated for 37°C for 48 h, the CFU/ml were counted in the individuals of each group and the data of each group were compared at the different time periods and analysed statistically by the non‐parametric Mann‐Whitney U‐test (α ≤ 5%). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the test and control groups during the test periods. Conclusion: Within of the limitations of this study, the data suggested that the denture adhesive tested did not significantly alter the oral microbiota during the 14‐day trial period.     

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.     

Effect of denture adhesive on the micro-organisms in vivo

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00381.x Effect of denture adhesive on the micro‐organisms in vivo Background: Denture adhesives increase the retention and stability of dentures in edentulous patients, especially in cases where salivary flow is impaired or in the management of traumatised oral mucosa. Objectives: The effect of a denture adhesive on the oral flora at different time intervals. Method: Thirty denture‐wearing patients were involved in this study. While half of the group received a denture adhesive, the other half did not. At baseline, 1 and 2 months after delivering the dentures, smear samples were obtained from the saliva, palate and the dentures. Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, α‐haemolytic streptococci, β‐haemolytic streptococci, Pneumococcus aureus, S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S. constellatus, S. sanguis, S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. salivarius, and yeasts were investigated. The data were statistically analysed using anova and repeated measures. Results: Most types of the micro‐organisms were not seen and could not be analysed statistically except α‐haemolytic streptococci and C. albicans. No statistically significant difference was found for α‐haemolytic streptococci and C. albicans in saliva, palate and the denture at all time intervals. Conclusions: Prolonged use of the denture adhesive tested up to 2 months did not yield to increase in micro‐organisms of the oral flora.     

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.     

Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00551.x
Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics Objective: The prevalence of wearing and fracture of complete dentures was evaluated among edentulous patients treated in two dental schools in Brazil. Background: Acceptance and wearing of complete dentures are related to adaptive behaviour of edentulous patients. However, one reason that could interfere with the wearing dentures is their potential to fracture, which is still a common complication in denture rehabilitation practice. Material and methods: Two hundred and twenty‐four edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures from 2000 to 2005 in Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, University of State of São Paulo, were assessed in 2006 and 2007 to answer a questionnaire about wearing and fracture of their dentures. Statistical analysis were performed using Epi Info software and chi‐squared test to compare maxillary and mandibular data (α = 0.05). Results: Almost 26% of the patients did not wear their dentures, and among the remainder, the majority wore the maxillary denture. About 30% of the dentures were fractured, with higher prevalence in the maxillary arch (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Discontinuation of wearing dentures was quite high, especially considering the treatment which was carried out in university clinics. Prevalence of fractures was also high, greater for the maxillary denture, and was one of the main reasons for non‐wearing of complete dentures.     

The influence of age and denture wear on the size of edentulous structures

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the influence of age and denture use on the size of arches and residual ridges in edentulous patients. Design : At two nursing homes, maxillary and mandibular stone casts of 302 fully edentulous patients were utilized to measure the size of the arches and residual ridges, according to age and use of complete dentures. Age cohorts were divided into three groups; 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years old. Two hundred and forty‐nine denture wearers used complete dentures for at least 2 years before examinations. Fifty‐three non‐denture users had never worn removable prostheses. Chi‐square analysis (p<0.05) was used to establish the possible relations between the linear values and the size indexes of the ridges and arches and the two examined parameters: age and denture wear. Results : Young old patients possessed edentulous structures that were not significantly larger than elderly old patients in both the maxilla and the mandible. Non‐denture users had significantly bigger arches and ridges in both edentulous jaws than denture users. Conclusions : Young old, non‐denture users tended to have bigger residual edentulous tissues compared to elderly old patients who used complete dentures.     

Complete denture hygiene and nocturnal wearing habits among patients attending the Prosthodontic Department in a Dental University in Brazil

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00369.x Complete denture hygiene and nocturnal wearing habits among patients attending the Prosthodontic Department in a Dental University in Brazil Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overnight wearing and cleaning habits of complete denture wearers. Background: Successful complete denture treatment can be achieved when the patients are motivated and aware of appropriate denture wear and hygiene. Materials and methods: A sample of 224 complete denture wearers (162 women) aged 37–89 years was studied. Inclusion criteria comprised edentulous subjects who had received their new complete dentures between 2000 and 2005 in the Dental Clinic of the Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, São Paulo State University. Ethical approval was sought and granted. Subjects were interviewed using questions related to overnight denture wearing and denture cleaning habits. Possible statistical relationships among some of items were analysed by the chi‐square test at 5% significance level. Results: Of the patients, 55.8% removed their dentures during the overnight period and 88% did this every day. Among them, 66.4% removed both dentures. Most of the patients used brushing with toothpaste (105 patients – 46.87%) as a cleaning method. More than a half of the subjects (63.4%) showed biofilm and calculus on their dentures. Conclusion: The patients need instructions and motivation concerning denture hygienic and denture removal overnight.     

Patients' experiences with partial dentures: a qualitative study

Objective: The aim of the study was to gain insight into people's experiences of being given and using partial dentures. Methods: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 23 people of varied age, social background and denture wearing experience in Tayside, Scotland. Participants were encouraged to discuss how they came to have partial dentures, their day‐to‐day denture use and their interactions with dentists. The interview data were systematically coded using key theme headings, and summary charts were constructed to facilitate analysis. Results: The initial decision that a partial denture was needed was generally difficult to accept. People perceived the main benefits of partial dentures to be improved appearance and confidence, but experienced a variety of difficulties with their dentures and often coped with these by only wearing them on social occasions. Participants had not always told their dentists about the difficulties they experienced. Barriers to seeking help with denture problems included financial constraints, previous experience of rushed appointments or poor communication from dentists and a perceived lack of entitlement to help when partial dentures were issued free. Conclusions: Partial dentures can be difficult to cope with. People experience a range of difficulties in wearing them, not all of which have been discussed with dentists. Informative and supportive communication when partial dentures are first needed, and subsequently, can improve the quality of patients’ experiences and may help promote effective use and appropriate help‐seeking by partial denture wearers.