Equilibration vs. Canine Guidance in Full Denture Cases: A Patients' Survey

Objectives: The occlusal concept in full denture cases - equilibration vs. canine guidance - is discussed controversially in the dental community. The objective of this clinical study was therefore to evaluate the patients satisfaction with new full dentures, using both concepts in a somewhat “split-mouth” model in the same patient. Methods: 38 toothless patients where provided with new upper and two almost identical lower full dentures, which only differed in their occlusal concept (equilibration vs. canine guidance). The patients were not informed about the differences between the dentures. After 2 weeks the patients opinion was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Afterwards the dentures with canine guidance were equilibrated and vice versa. After 2 more weeks, the patients opinion was evaluated again. Data were subjected to a Wilcoxon-test. Results: After two weeks, 63.2 % of the patients preferred the equilibrated denture. 31.6 % reported no differences in between the dentures. After 4 weeks, 47.4 % of the patients preferred the equilibrated one and 42.1 % reported no difference. Conclusions: Within the limits of the study it can be concluded, that the occlusal concept in full dentures is not as crucial for the clinical success in the patients opinion as often anticipated. The equilibration may be helpful for a patient to adapt a new denture.