Determinants of dissatisfaction with dentures: a multiple regression analysis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with complete dentures and several causal factors. One hundred thirty patients who received new dentures were investigated during their treatment. The results showed that 33% of the variance in satisfaction with dentures could be clarified by (1) the attitude toward dentures, (2) the quality of the dentures, (3), the oral conditions (opposite of what was expected), and (4) the number of previous dentures worn. Thus the patient's attitude toward dentures, measured by a questionnaire administered prior to his or her receiving new dentures, and the number of previous dentures worn, are prospective indicators for satisfaction with new dentures. The oral condition and the patient's personality seem to be unimportant factors, as measured by a neurotic lability scale and by a "health locus of control scale." Only 33% of the variance in satisfaction could be clarified by means of the variables used in the study. Thus satisfaction with dentures for most patients is individually determined and, for dentist and patient, is often unpredictable.