This study examined the extent to which denture satisfaction could be determined by a measure of the denture’s functional quality and patient-reported measures.
Method:
This cross-sectional study research recruited 117 edentate individuals (92 women and 25 men) aged 60 years or older (mean ± SD: 73.6 ± 5.6 years) in southern Brazil for data collection. The edentate individuals rated their level of general satisfaction with their actual dentures, using a visual analogue scale. Explanatory variables included individual’s rating of aesthetic quality and masticatory ability, denture age, and socio-demographic factors. The functional qualities of dentures were evaluated by a calibrated prosthodontist using the validated, 9-item Functional Assessment of Dentures instrument. Bivariate statistical analyses and regression models were used to test the association of predictor variables with the patients’ general satisfaction with complete dentures.
Result:
There was a statistically significant association between patient’s general satisfaction and the stability of the maxillary (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.52) and mandibular dentures (OR = 1.68; 95% IC:1.16 - 2.43), masticatory ability (OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.19), and the age of the denture (± 11.6 years) (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.97).
Conclusion:
The measures of denture stability, masticatory ability, and age of dentures appear to be determinants of patients’ satisfaction with dentures.