Patient's satisfaction with removable dentures after relining.

AIM

To reveal patients' satisfaction with their old, usually poorly fitting dentures and the effect of denture relining to the patient's satisfaction.

METHODS

Thirty seven denture wearers participated in study by filling out questionnaires about their satisfaction with dentures before and after relining. In that way the data indicating the subjective patient's experience and satisfaction were collected.

RESULTS

Relined removable dentures included in study were on average 5.52 years (upper) or 4.86 years old (lower). Most of study participants (57%) were satisfied with their poor fitting dentures. Statistically significant was correlation between chewing discomfort and satisfaction, and the time elapsed from last tooth extraction to denture production. As this period was shorter, chewing discomfort was greater and satisfaction with chewing lower. Majority (53.3%) of denture wearers were considerably more satisfied with the chewing ability and felt better regarding the chewing discomfort after denture relining. Minority of the patients (22%) still used an adhesive for fixing the dentures after relining.

CONCLUSION

Denture relining affects patient's satisfaction with their dentures. After relining patient's masticatory function was improved, satisfaction with chewing ability and comfort were greater, and denture hygiene better. Denture relining should be performed in order to improve denture fitting to a denture bearing area, thus positively affecting patient's satisfaction with his denture(s).