Simplified versus conventional complete dentures: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

A simplified approach to complete denture treatment, omitting the border molding and definitive impression appointment, was suggested as an alternative to the conventional approach. However, comparison clinical trials are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this randomized crossover clinical trial was to assess the satisfaction of edentulous patients and their oral health impact profile when provided with complete dentures fabricated through the simplified or the conventional approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty completely edentulous patients seeking complete dentures were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=20). Each group received 2 sets of dentures. The first group received conventionally fabricated complete dentures, and the second group received complete dentures fabricated through the simplified approach. After 2 months, participants rated their overall satisfaction and their satisfaction regarding comfort, retention, stability, and efficiency of mastication and speech on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Participants also filled out the oral health impact profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire. Each group was then given the alternate set of dentures and reviewed again after 2 months. The results were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon-signed rank tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

The simplified complete dentures had significantly higher VAS scores for general satisfaction with maxillary dentures (P=.036), satisfaction with retention of maxillary dentures (P=.002), satisfaction with stability of maxillary dentures (P=.003), and satisfaction with speaking (P=.002). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding the other VAS items or OHIP-EDENT scores (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The simplified denture fabrication approach required fewer appointments and resulted in higher patient satisfaction and similar OHIP-EDENT scores compared with the conventional approach. The simplified approach can be recommended over the conventional approach.