Do enhanced aesthetics increase edentulous patients' satisfaction with dentures?

Objective: to evaluate the effect of enhanced denture aesthetics on patient satisfaction. Methods: Patients attending prosthodontic clinics for replacement complete dentures were recruited into this study. Using a randomised cross-over design, patients received two sets of dentures made using conventional techniques: one having an enhanced, appearance achieved by the use of patient focused tooth arrangement and high quality aesthetic denture teeth. Fitting and polished surfaces and horizontal and vertical jaw relations were duplicated. The sequence in which patients received the dentures was randomly assigned. Patient satisfaction was assessed at baseline and three months after delivery of both aesthetic and control prostheses using a validated instrument. At the end of the study patients were asked to choose their preferred denture and record their reasons. Results: 16 patients (9 male), mean age 62.5 yrs (range 27-77) completed the study. There was a significant increase in patient satisfaction between baseline and control (p=0.002) and baseline and aesthetic dentures (p=0.000). No difference was seen between control and aesthetic arms (p = 0.781). Comparison of dentures by sequence of delivery showed no difference. 7 patients expressed a preference for the aesthetic prostheses with 5 preferring the control. Reasons for preference differed between these two groups. Conclusions: All patients reported significantly increased satisfaction with both new dentures although mean satisfaction score was not significantly higher in the aesthetic arm. Patients expressing preferences did soon the basis of denture aesthetics, although their aspirations differed.