Perceptions of complete dentures by prospective implant patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to facilitate the recognition of denture patients who are unable to adapt to conventional dentures and who are likely to benefit from treatment using implant-supported prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients who where referred for postgraduate prosthetic treatment at Wits Dental School completed a self-report inventory of items related to their dentures in current use. Conventional dentures were fabricated for all subjects. Those patients who could not adapt to conventional complete denture treatment were referred for treatment with implant-supported prostheses provided that they conformed with the recommended criteria for this treatment modality. RESULTS: Analysis of the inventory of pretreatment denture complaints yielded variables that differentiated between the group who remained with conventional dentures and the group that was referred for implants. Significant variables were the period that a mandibular denture was used before new dentures were requested (P = 0.025); the period that a maxillary denture was used before further treatment was sought (P = 0.03); the discarding of a mandibular denture (P = 0.035); and pain complaints related to maxillary dentures (P = 0.045). A logistic regression model was used to compare the clinical division of the sample with that determined by the mathematic model. Sixty-six percent of the subjects who accepted conventional treatment and 69% of implant patients corresponded for both classifications. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that pretreatment denture complaints can be used diagnostic aids for evaluating patients who are likely to benefit from implant-supported prostheses.

That acquired masseteric look.

There is a certain "look" that has become the ideal of attractiveness in our society. This appearance may be due to masseteric hypertrophy, which can have an extraordinary effect on facial form. A case is presented and discussed. The practitioner should be alert to investigate further when treating patients with this look. Thorough medical and dental histories are essential in establishing this diagnosis.

The prognostic value of denture complaints.

This study tested whether information obtained from an inventory of denture-related variables can help a dentist recognise the potentially slowly adapting denture patient. Sixty-one patients completed an inventory of denture complaints prior to the fabrication of complete maxillary and mandibular dentures. Subjects were subsequently divided into groups of slowly adapting and rapidly adapting patients. A clinically derived classification was compared to a theoretic model. Seventy-four percent of the theoretically slowly adapting patients and 89% of the theoretically rapidly adapting patients corresponded with their clinical classifications.

Tongue position in relation to edentulous mandibular impressions.

An adjustable easily located impression tray handle was used as a device to control tongue position and muscular forces for mandibular complete denture impression-making. This technique is indicated where advanced residual ridge resorption is present. A denture made with a lingual guiding ramp conforming to such an impression is not a panacea for all mandibular denture problems, which have many complex causes. However, the lingual guiding ramp technique gains support from established physiological findings and can yield gratifying clinical results.

Diagnostic significance of denture complaints.

An inventory of denture complaints should be completed by patients who request replacement dentures prior to a diagnostic interview. Patient responses are often more spontaneous and unguarded and will reveal problems that might otherwise remain concealed. A more fruitful interview with the dentist will facilitate the information of a treatment plan that will satisfy that patient's need.