Quality of life and stimulus perception in patients' rehabilitated with complete denture

The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate quality of life (QoL), and stimulus perception of complete denture users, before and after the insertion of new prostheses. We selected 60 patients using bimaxillary complete conventional dentures who needed to replace their prostheses. During anamnesis, we collected demographic data and applied the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire and stimulus perception questionnaire (PERCEPTION). Before installation of new prostheses, the patients responded to OHIP-EDENT questionnaire, and on the day of installation, they responded to PERCEPTION questionnaire. At the patients 3-month follow-up, we re-administered the OHIP-EDENT and PERCEPTION questionnaires. The Wilcoxon and MacNemar tests were used to compare patient responses between the time points analysed. Most of the OHIP-EDENT items showed a highly significant impact of the new prostheses on oral health (P = 0.003). The PERCEPTION questionnaire data indicated that the patients experienced significant improvements (P < 0.05) in terms of their sensations with the new prostheses. Cross-lagged data analysis did not show any causality between the OHIP-EDENT and PERCEPTION questionnaires (ZPF test, P = 0.772). We concluded that the treatment was effective with respect to the patients QoL and their adaptation to the new prostheses.

Analysis of Masticatory Cycle Efficiency in Complete Denture Wearers

Purpose: This study assessed masticatory efficiency and duration of the masticatory cycle in 14 asymptomatic patients with severe bone resorption. All patients had worn complete dentures for over 10 years. Recall visits were scheduled at 5 months and 1 year after receiving new dentures.Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients were evaluated in this study. The Research Diagnostic Criteria questionnaire and tests of the efficiency and duration of the masticatory cycle were performed with artificial food before, 5 months after, and 1 year after new dentures were delivered. Masticatory efficiency was assessed using a sieve system; artificial food was ground for 35 masticatory cycles and monitored by the operator.Results: Masticatory efficiency at 5 months was significantly improved for the 0.42-mm mesh. An improvement in masticatory efficiency and a reduction in mastication time were observed with the new dentures after 1 year.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that 5 months did not allow enough time to demonstrate improved muscular capacity and ability after receiving new dentures. After 1 year, the duration of the masticatory cycle was reduced, and masticatory efficiency was significantly improved.

Insertion and follow-up of complete dentures: a literature review

Insertion and follow-up of complete dentures: a literature reviewObjective: The aim of this study was to present the importance of clinical procedures related to insertion and follow-up of complete dentures in elderly patients.Materials and Methods: The success of rehabilitation with complete dentures results from the accuracy of clinical and laboratorial procedures that makes the denture insertion an important step of treatment.Conclusion: The follow-up and professional maintenance of function and hygiene facilitates long-term efficiency.

A comparison of patient satisfaction between treatment with conventional complete dentures and overdentures in the elderly: a literature review

Background:It has been stated that mandibular overdentures are more satisfactory than conventional dentures, but problems relating to the use of retrospective ratings, lack of control group and sequential provision of treatment may compromise the findings.Objective:To establish a comparison between treatment with conventional complete dentures and implant-retained overdentures in elderly patients by conducting a literature review.Materials and methods:A search of English language peer-review literature was completed using Medline up to 2008 focusing on evidence-based research. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and longitudinal prospective studies were favoured in the review, using a general hierarchical classification. Articles that did not focus exclusively on the comparison of patient satisfaction between complete dentures and overdentures were excluded from further evaluation. The last search was conducted in February 2008. Key terms included quality of life, patient satisfaction, edentulism, complete denture and overdenture.Results:Among the 90 articles found in the initial search, 27 met the inclusion criteria. This included 18 RCTs and eight prospective and one cohort study. Most of the articles stated superiority of the mandibular implant-retained overdenture therapy over the conventional complete denture regarding patient satisfaction and quality of life.Conclusion:Even with implant treatment presenting higher patient satisfaction and improvement of quality of life, it was not possible to establish a direct comparison between the studies due to differences in adopted methodologies.

Effect of Flasking and Polymerization Techniques on Tooth Movement in Complete Denture Processing

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the artificial tooth positional changes following the flasking and polymerization of complete dentures by a combination of two flasking methods and two polymerization techniques using computer graphic measurements.Materials and Methods: Four groups of waxed complete dentures (n = 10) were invested and polymerized using the following techniques: (1) adding a second investment layer of gypsum and conventional water bath polymerization (Control), (2) adding a second investment layer of gypsum and polymerization with microwave energy (Gyp-micro), (3) adding a second investment layer of silicone (Zetalabor) and conventional polymerization (Silwater), and (4) adding a second investment layer of silicone and polymerization with microwave energy (Silmicro). For each specimen, six segments of interdental distances (A to F) were measured to determine the artificial tooth positions in the waxed and polymerized stages using software program AutoCad R14. The mean values of the changes were statistically compared by univariate ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test at 5% significance.Results: There were no significant differences among the four groups, except for segment D of the Silmicro group (-0.004 +/- 0.032 cm) in relation to the Gypwater group (0.044 +/- 0.031 cm) (p < 0.05), which presented, repectively, expansion and shrinkage after polymerization.Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that although the differences were not statistically significant, the use of a silicone investment layer when flasking complete dentures resulted in the least positional changes of the artificial teeth regardless of the polymerization technique.

Influence of Different Base Thicknesses on Maxillary Complete Denture Processing: Linear and Angular Graphic Analysis on the Movement of Artificial Teeth

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the dental movement that occurs during the processing of maxillary complete dentures with 3 different base thicknesses, using 2 investment methods, and microwave polymerization.Methods: A sample of 42 denture models was randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7), with base thicknesses of 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 mm and gypsum or silicone flask investment. Points were demarcated on the distal surface of the second molars and on the back of the gypsum cast at the alveolar ridge level to allow linear and angular measurement using AutoCAD software. The data were subjected to analysis of variance with double factor, Tukey test and Fisher (post hoc).Results: Angular analysis of the varying methods and their interactions generated a statistical difference (P = 0.023) when the magnitudes of molar inclination were compared. Tooth movement was greater for thin-based prostheses, 1.25 mm (-0.234), versus thick 3.75 mm (0.2395), with antagonistic behavior. Prosthesis investment with silicone (0.053) showed greater vertical change compared with the gypsum investment (0.032). There was a difference between the point of analysis, demonstrating that the changes were not symmetric.Conclusions: All groups evaluated showed change in the position of artificial teeth after processing. The complete denture with a thin base (1.25 mm) and silicone investment showed the worst results, whereas intermediate thickness (2.50 mm) was demonstrated to be ideal for the denture base.

Electromyographic activity of the mandible muscles at the beginning and end of masticatory cycles in patients with complete dentures

The aim of this study was to assess the electrical activity of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles in subjects with severe bone resorption at two different times: ( a) the initial period, with the complete dentures they had worn for over 10 years, and (b) the final period, 5 months after having new dentures put into place. Twelve asymptomatic subjects were asked to respond to the questionnaire, according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders, before denture rehabilitation and 5 months after the new dentures were put in place. The electrical activity of the muscles was recorded during mastication in the initial and final period, using artificial food (Optocal). The operator monitored the 35 chewing cycles that were repeated to grind the artificial food. After wearing the new dentures for 5 months, the right anterior temporal muscle showed a statistical difference before and after denture rehabilitation at the beginning and end of mastication. Muscular capacity and ability reduced the electrical activity in the masseter muscles after rehabilitation. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Silent Period of Masticatory Cycles in Dentate Subjects and Complete Denture Wearers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess, through electromyographic activity (EMG), the silent period (SP) of masseter and anterior temporal muscles in dentate subjects (DS) and complete denture wearers (CDW).Materials and Methods: The evaluations were performed at the initial and final period of the mastication for the DS group. For the CDW group, the evaluations were performed at the initial period of mastication, with old complete dentures worn for more than 10 years (OCDW) and at the final period of the mastication with new complete dentures (NCDW), 5 months after rehabilitation. Twenty-four asymptomatic subjects (12 DS, 12 CDW) answered a questionnaire based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders. The CDW group answered the questionnaire before and after new denture insertion and after 5 months of rehabilitation. The SP of the muscles was recorded through EMG at the initial and final periods of mastication using artificial food (Optocal). The operator monitored 35 chewing cycles performed to grind the artificial food and selected eight open-close-clench-chewing cycles for the record.Results: The SP of the muscles analyzed with new complete dentures showed no statistical difference in comparison to the old dentures. There was a statistically significant difference in the SP between the CDW and DS groups for initial and final chewing.Conclusion: Lowered muscular capacity and ability reduced the SP of muscles after rehabilitation with NCDWs.

TMJ Vibrations in Asymptomatic Patients Using Old and New Complete Dentures

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) noises in subjects with severe bone resorption, who have worn the same complete dentures for over 10 years, and 5 months after treatment with increments of acrylic resin on the occlusal surface after having new dentures in place.Methods: After applying the research diagnostic criteria (RDC)/temporomandibular disorder (TMD) questionnaire, 20 asymptomatic subjects were assessed before and 5 months after the new dentures were put in place. Joint vibrations were assessed by the Sono Pak program by selecting the vibrations that occurred during the opening and closing cycle.Results: The means of the results revealed a nonnormal distribution and were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis (p < 0.05). The vibration means were of low intensity (<= 9.96 Hz). After rehabilitation, there was a reduction in the vibrations (<= 5.2 Hz) statistically significant only at the end of mouth opening with the old dentures when compared with the other cycles.Conclusion: The intensity and number of occurrences of joint vibrations were reduced after 5 months of wearing new dentures.

Effectiveness of microwave disinfection of complete dentures on the treatment of Candida-related denture stomatitis

The effectiveness of microwave disinfection of maxillary complete dentures on the treatment of Candida-related denture stomatitis was evaluated. Patients (n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of 15 subjects each; Control group: patients performed the routine denture care; Mw group: patients had their upper denture microwaved (650 W per 6 min) three times per week for 30 days; group MwMz: patients received the treatment of Mw group in conjunction with topical application of miconazole three times per day for 30 days; group Mz: patients received the antifungal therapy of group MwMz. Cytological smears and mycological cultures were taken from the dentures and the palates of all patients before treatment at day 15 and 30 of treatment and at follow-up (days 60 and 90). The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Microbial and clinical analysis of the control group demonstrated no significant decrease in the candidal infection over the clinical trial. Smears and cultures of palates and dentures of the groups Mw and MwMz exhibited absence of Candida at day 15 and 30 of treatment. on day 60 and 90, few mycelial forms were observed on 11 denture smears (36.6%) from groups Mw and MwMz, but not on the palatal smears. Miconazole (group Mz) neither caused significant reduction of palatal inflammation nor eradicated Candida from the dentures and palates. Microwaving dentures was effective for the treatment of denture stomatitis. The recurrence of Candida on microwaved dentures at follow-up was dramatically reduced.

Comparison of the occlusal vertical dimension after processing complete dentures made with lingualized balanced occlusion and conventional balanced occlusion

Statement of problem. An increase in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) may occur after processing complete dentures. Although many factors that generate this change are known, no information is available in the dental literature regarding the effect that the occlusal scheme may have on the change in OVD.Purpose. This in vitro study compared the increase in OVD, after processing, between complete dentures with teeth arranged in lingualized balanced occlusion and conventional balanced occlusion.Material and methods. Thirty sets of complete dentures were evaluated as follows: 15 sets of complete dentures were arranged in conventional balanced occlusion (control) and 15 sets of complete dentures were arranged in lingualized balanced occlusion. All dentures were compression molded with a long polymerization cycle. The occlusal vertical dimension was measured with a micrometer (mm) before and after processing each set of dentures. Data were analyzed using an independent t test (alpha=.05).Results. The mean increase in the OVD, after processing, was 0.87 +/- 0.21 mm for the control group and 0.90 +/- 0.27 mm for the experimental group. There was no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion. After processing, dentures set in lingualized balanced occlusion showed an increase in OVD similar to those set in conventional balanced occlusion.

Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms present on complete dentures. A clinical investigation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine on the disinfection of complete dentures colonised with fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans: in vitro study

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)