Prosthodontic Problems in an Overdenture Population: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: There is very little information on the problems and survival of overdentures over time. Methods: In this prosthodontic longitudinal study of overdentures, 272 persons fulfilled all of the inclusion criteria. These persons had 662 overdenture abutments and 465 (70.2%) were canines. This report will focus on persons who had canines as abutments and who returned for recalls at 6-18 months at 19-30 months, at 31-42 months, and at 43-54 months. The average age of the 272 subjects was 59.9 years [range 28 to 85 years]with 170 males and 102 females. Of the 272 subjects, 51 had returned at all time periods. These 51 subjects were compared to the rest at each time period for prosthodontic needs and problems. Results: At the first appointment, the 51 were more likely to have had a fracture of the maxillary denture and more likely to be satisfied with their ability to speak with their dentures (p<0.05). At 19-30 months, the 51 were more likely to need a remake of their mandibular denture (p<0.05) and at 31-42 months they were more likely to need an adjustment of their maxillary dentures (p<0.05). At 43-54 months, the subjects were more likely to have returned on recall and needed adjustments to their maxillary dentures. Other relationships will be described in the presentation. Conclusion: Persons wearing overdentures who return regularly on recall need maintenance of their dentures such as repairs, relines, and remakes. Therefore, clinicians need to have overdenture patients return regularly for recalls.