Impact of Denture Use on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Yemeni Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND We used the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and oral health-related quality of life in 241 wearers of removable partial or complete dentures attending a single center in Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 241 partial dentures (PD) and complete dentures (CD) wearers were enrolled from the Department of Prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, and the University of Science and Technology. Data were collected before the commencement of denture wearing and after 3-6 months of denture use. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and denture type, and another for the OHIP to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health impact profile scale comprises 7 subscales, each evaluating different aspects of oral health and functionality. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants. Independent t tests were performed to compare different patient groups, focusing on PD and CD wearers. Paired-sample t tests were used to examine changes within patient groups before and after removable denture use. RESULTS Among all participants, 67.6% were male, wearers of CDs were 74.6% male, PDs were 58.3%, and was consistent for CD (71.0%) and PD (72.8%) wearers. The wearing prostheses significantly impacted the OHRQoL of patients using both PDs and CDs (P<0.01). Among CD wearers, 4 of these subscales (3-6) were statistically significant, but the handicaps subscale showed evident reductions in physical pain after treatment among PD wearers. CONCLUSIONS Wearing dentures positively affects the OHRQoL of patients, influencing various aspects of their health, including functional, physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Exploring experiences of living with removable dentures-A scoping review of qualitative literature.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the literature on the experiences of living with removable dentures (complete or partial) to identify any gaps and provide a map for future research. BACKGROUND: Increasing proportions of society are living partially dentate with some form of restoration, including removable dentures. Previous studies have reported on the location, materials and usage of these prostheses, along with effects on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, less is known about experiences with removable dentures from a patient-centred perspective. METHODS: A scoping review of the qualitative literature was undertaken using the framework of Arksey and O'Malley, updated by Levac et al. Literature searches were carried out using Medline and Web of Science. Papers were screened by title and abstract using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Remaining papers were read in full and excluded if they did not meet the required criteria. Nine papers were included in the final review. FINDINGS: Key themes from these papers were: impact of tooth loss and living without teeth, and its impacts in relation to social position, appearance, confidence and function (chewing and speaking); social norms and tooth loss, including attitudes to tooth retention and treatment costs, and changes in intergenerational norms towards dentures; expectations of treatment, including patients being more involved in decision making, viewing the denture as a "gift" and dentures helping to achieve "an ideal"; living with a removable denture (complete or partial), including patient preparedness for a denture, adaptation and impacts on activities and participation; and the dentist-patient relationship, including issues with information and communication, and differing priorities between patients and dentists. CONCLUSION: Little qualitative research exists on experiences of living with a removable denture. Existing literature demonstrates the importance of dispersed activities in differing social, spatial and temporal contexts when wearing removable dentures. Focusing on processes of positive adaptation to dentures and OHRQoL, rather than deficits, is also required to fully understand patients' experiences. Additionally, more complex technological advances may not always be in the best interest of every patient.

Exploring lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Edentulism remains a major disability worldwide, especially among the elderly population, although the prevalence of complete edentulism has declined over the last decades. In Uganda, the prevalence of edentulism in people aged 20 years and above is 1.8%. The therapy for edentulous patients can be realized through the use of conventional removable complete dentures, implant-supported prostheses, and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM), however, the provision of removable complete dentures continues to be the predominant rehabilitation for edentulous patients. However, no published study has explored the lived experiences with removable complete dentures among the Ugandan population. The aim of the present study was to explore patients' lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital. METHODS: This was a qualitative study approach using purposive sampling. Fifteen (15) respondents were selected across social demographics. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and themes were generated to draw a deeper meaning to the usage of removable complete dentures. A qualitative statistical package, Atlas Ti software was used to generate themes from the interviews followed by an interpretation of the generated data and the results were presented as text and in a table. RESULTS: The reported key positive experiences due to removable complete denture rehabilitation were the improvement in speech, eating ability, regaining good facial appearance, better oral hygiene management, self-esteem and confidence to smile in public, and a feeling of completeness. However, respondents complained of pain and discomfort due to the looseness of dentures, inability to eat certain foods, and regular cleaning of dentures. The respondents did not go through proper informed consent processes before getting removable complete dentures. CONCLUSION: The study found that patients were satisfied with their removable complete dentures rehabilitation due to the positive experiences registered, such as the ability to eat and talk well, and restoration of self-esteem, all of which improved their quality of life. However, they experience pain and discomfort due to the looseness of dentures.

A qualitative analysis of denture wearing experience affecting the quality of life of older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how denture-related experiences affect older adults' quality of life using a qualitative assessment of the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous individuals (OHIP-Edent). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty elderly individuals were interviewed before and 3 months after delivering new complete dentures, using an open-ended interview guide based on the OHIP-Edent. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were open coded and thematically analyzed following a Grounded Theory approach. Findings were integrated and constantly compared to understand the interviewees' difficulties, beliefs, and perceptions. RESULTS: Three interconnected themes were developed: functional and psychosocial impairments, and coping strategies. Even when posed as an open-ended format, the wording of some OHIP-Edent items was confusing while others were not relevant to the respondents. New categories related to speaking, smiling, swallowing, emotional and functional coping emerged from the interviews. Interviewees adapted to chewing and swallowing difficulties through food avoidance, modification of food choice and preparation techniques, and changes in dietary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Denture wearing is a daily challenging experience that encompasses various functional and psychosocial aspects and sheds light on the need for addressing the coping strategies employed by patients, as the current OHIP-Edent items may not fully represent other deemed important aspects of the quality of life of individuals who wear dentures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentists must not solely rely on structured questionnaires to explore the impact of denture wearing and treatment outcomes. Clinicians can use a more holistic approach to comprehend older adults' experiences with dentures including advice about coping mechanisms, food preparation techniques, and meal planning.

Effect of Denture Hygiene Protocols on Patient Satisfaction, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, and Salivary Parameters: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled trial compared four denture hygiene protocols in terms of patient satisfaction, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and salivary parameters in complete denture wearers with denture stomatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 108 participants were assigned to soak their dentures in one of the following solutions: (1) 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (positive control), (2) 0.15% Triclosan, (3) denture disinfecting tablets, or (4) denture disinfecting tablets plus palatine mucosa brushing solution. The outcomes of patient satisfaction, OHRQoL, and salivary parameters (salivary flow rate and pH) were measured at baseline and after 10 days. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (between groups), and Wilcoxon test (between times) were used to compare the results. (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After the hygiene protocols, and when compared with baseline, the overall patient satisfaction, maxillary denture satisfaction, maxillary denture comfort, and maxillary denture retention were ameliorated. A significant improvement was noted in OHRQoL in 3 of 4 domains evaluated (orofacial pain and discomfort, masticatory discomfort and disability, and psychological disability and discomfort). The salivary flow rate (unstimulated and stimulated) and salivary pH were not significantly affected at the times evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Complete denture wearers may feel more satisfied with their complete dentures when treated for denture stomatitis. The tested treatments lead to similar improvement in terms of patient satisfaction and OHRQoL.

Evaluation of the level of cortisol, capillary blood glucose, and blood pressure in response to anxiety of patients rehabilitated with complete dentures.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to analyze the levels of stress of edentulous patients through the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and salivary flow through the visual analogue scale (VAS) xerostomia questionnaire, as well as analyze the levels of cortisol, capillary blood glucose, and blood pressure (BP) before and after the installation of complete dentures. METHODS: Fifty patients were evaluated. The STAI and VAS xerostomia questionnaire were applied before the installation of the prosthesis, on the day of its installation, and 1 month after the last recall visit. The BP measurement, as well as salivary and blood collections, were performed before the installation of the prothesis, and 1 month after the last recall visit. Data from the VAS xerostomia questionnaire and cortisol levels were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey test (P = .05). Data from the STAI, as well as blood glucose and BP levels, were submitted to the Chi-square test (P = .05). The correlation between cortisol and blood glucose and between cortisol levels and BP was analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant association between the questions of the VAS xerostomia questionnaire, STAI-state and STAI-trait scores, or the periods analyzed. However, the cortisol level collected in the morning decreased after the installation of the prosthesis. There was a correlation between cortisol and blood glucose and BP levels. CONCLUSIONS: The installation of complete dentures was beneficial for patients since it was probably responsible for the cortisol level reduction.

Patient satisfaction with occlusal scheme of conventional complete dentures: A randomised clinical trial (part I).

BACKGROUND: Occlusal scheme can affect denture retention, stability, occlusal force distribution, aesthetics, masticatory function, patient comfort and general patient satisfaction with dentures. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the patient satisfaction with 3 types of complete denture occlusion including fully bilateral balanced occlusion (FBBO), newly presented buccalised occlusion (BO) and lingualised occlusion (LO). METHODS: In this parallel randomised clinical trial, new conventional complete dentures were fabricated for 86 volunteers. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups with 3 different occlusal schemes. All patients were recalled at 1 and 3 months after delivery for data collection. The 19-item version of Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients questionnaire was used in this study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for assessment of the prosthodontist's attitude towards denture quality, patient's attitude towards different occlusal schemes and evaluation of patient satisfaction. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the post hoc Dunn test via SPSS version 18.0 (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Eighty-six patients completed the study, and their data were analysed (mean age ± standard deviation = 57.78 ± 9.98 years). The only significant difference when comparing the 3 groups was physical pain, which was significantly higher in FBBO group. No significant differences were found for the VAS scores of patient and prosthodontist satisfaction or the domain scores among the 3 occlusal schemes either at 1 or at 3 months post-delivery. The VAS score of patient satisfaction and prosthodontist satisfaction increased at third compared to first month after delivery. CONCLUSION: The results of this randomised clinical trial provided evidence that BO is as effective as LO for the fabrication of complete dentures.

Patient satisfaction with occlusal scheme of conventional complete dentures: A randomised clinical trial (Part II).

The occlusion of choice is a controversial topic in conventional complete denture (CCD) treatment. This study aimed to compare patient satisfaction with CCD with partially group-function occlusion (PGFO), fully bilateral balanced occlusion (FBBO), buccalised occlusion (BO), lingualised occlusion (LO) and the entire balanced group. Participants received new CCDs with PGFO. All steps of patient enrolment, denture fabrication, assessments during the follow-up period and data collection were carried out exactly the same as part 1 of this research project. All patients were recalled at 1 and 3 months after delivery for data collection using the shortened version of oral health impact profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire and 7 visual analog scales (VASs) for the quality of CCD based on general patient satisfaction, masticatory function, ability to speak, comfort, stability, retention and aesthetics. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test via SPSS version 18.0 (α = 0.05). Thirty participants completed the follow-up period for PGFO group. The mean age ± standard deviation of the new participants was 57.97 ± 6.93 years. Participants reported significantly less satisfaction in terms of comfort, stability and retention of denture with PGFO compared to balanced groups. Also, using OHIP-EDENT questionnaire, significantly higher physical pain score was noted for PGFO group compared to BO and LO. Higher physical disability score was noted in PGFO compared to LO. Participants receiving CCDs with PGFO reported lower satisfaction in terms of comfort, stability and retention of denture and higher physical pain and physical disability than the balanced occlusal schemes.

Validation and comparison of the Arabic versions of GOHAI and OHIP-14 in patients with and without denture experience.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of oral heath related quality of life (OHRQoL) for complete denture wearers according to a participant's subjective perception may provide an indication of the adaptive capacity of the individual. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the validation of two quality of life measures, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), in patients with and without previous denture experience. METHODS: A total of 69 elders (36 male and 34 female; mean age, 63 years) from Dental Clinics of the University of Khartoum and the National University in Sudan, with and without previous denture experience, were included in the study. OHRQoL was assessed using two Arabic-translated questionnaires (OHIP-14 and GOHAI) before and after complete denture therapy. Global self-ratings of oral and general health were obtained, and denture satisfaction was assessed using the Denture Satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Both tools had significant correlations with self-rating oral health in patients without denture experience (P < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found in patients with denture experience. There were significant differences between pre-and post-treatment total scores with both the GOHAI and OHIP-14 (P < 0.001). Responsiveness to treatment using GOHAI and OHIP-14 revealed overall mean effect size higher in patients without (1.49) and (0.83) than those with previous denture experience (0.89) and (0.60), respectively. However, neither tool could detect significant differences between patients with and without denture experience (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Greater improvements of OHRQoL after complete denture therapy were observed in participants without than those with previous denture experience. The Arabic-translated versions of GOHAI and OHIP-14 can be regarded as effective measures for assessing treatment outcomes of complete denture therapy.

Predictors of Patient Satisfaction with Removable Denture Renewal: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Conventional removable dentures still play an important role in the treatment of lost teeth. A thorough understanding of the parameters that influence patient satisfaction is useful for deciding whether denture replacement is meaningful. From a clinical perspective, factors that can be measured before starting treatment are relevant. This pilot study investigated whether patient satisfaction after denture renewal was affected by aspects related to the old prostheses, type of jaw, and patient motivation for denture renewal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty subjects (mean age 68.2 ± 8.4) were provided with 74 removable dentures (partial n = 20, complete n = 54). Satisfaction was assessed before treatment and 3 months after new prosthesis insertion. Total satisfaction 3-month post-insertion (TSP3) merged 6 individual satisfaction items measured after treatment. Change of total satisfaction 3-month post-insertion (CTS3) represented the difference of total satisfaction when old and new prostheses were compared. The effect of the following independent variables was investigated: reason patients requested new dentures (fit, esthetics, broken denture, wear, advice of dentist, extractions), satisfaction with the old prosthesis (general, retention, stability, comfort, pronunciation, chewing, esthetics), and technical quality of the old prostheses as assessed by a dentist (stability, retention, fit, border, wear, esthetics). Gender, age, and a cognitive screening test were included as confounding variables. Mann-Whitney-U tests and linear mixed model analysis were performed. RESULTS: All individual satisfaction items significantly improved with new prostheses for maxillary and mandibular jaws. TSP3 was higher for maxillary prostheses, if retention satisfaction with the old prosthesis was good, and if the dentist assessed the esthetics of the old prosthesis as deficient. CTS3 was associated with male gender, dissatisfaction with chewing before treatment, and dissatisfaction with esthetics before treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that satisfaction 3 months after new denture insertion was associated with aspects of satisfaction and quality related to the old prosthesis, type of jaw, and gender. These factors may help dentists predict therapeutic benefits when deciding on the need for denture replacement. Further research should be done with a greater number of subjects and should include balanced quantities of the different types of dentures.

Factors Associated with Undergoing Regular Dental Check-ups in Healthy Elderly Individuals.

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of healthy elderly individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups and identify any environmental or associated oral factors. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to interview 216 individuals attending 2 welfare facilities for the elderly, of whom 160 were included in the final analysis. Items comprised age, sex, number of residual teeth, frequency of teeth/denture cleaning, subjective chewing ability, denture use, oral status, regular dental check-ups, visitation of the same dentist, number of dental visits in the past year, General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (Japanese version) score, living situation, and use of routine medication. Individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups were defined as those with a primary dentist whom they saw for dental check-ups at least once a year. The rate of individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups was 75.0% in men aged 60-74 years, 58.8% in women aged 60-74 years, 70.0% in men aged 75 years or over, and 45.3% in women aged 75 years or over. Logistic regression analysis revealed a higher number of residual teeth (odds ratio [OR]=2.664 in comparison with those with fewer than 20 teeth, p=0.0427); cleaning teeth/dentures 3 or more times per day (OR=2.546 in comparison with cleaning them twice per day or less, p=0.0157); and a higher GOHAI score (OR=2.742 in comparison with those with a GOHAI score of less than 58, p=0.0263) as factors significantly correlated with undergoing regular dental check-ups. In conclusion, the results revealed that individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups had 20 or more residual teeth, cleaned their teeth/denture 3 or more times per day, and had a higher GOHAI score. This indicates that the best predictive factor for undergoing regular dental check-ups in healthy elderly individuals is their GOHAI score.

Neutral zone or conventional mandibular complete dentures: a randomised crossover trial comparing oral health-related quality of life.

There is widespread consensus that the neutral zone (NZ) concept contributes to improved stability for mandibular complete dentures (CDs). However, little is known about its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of edentulous patients compared to conventionally (CV) manufactured dentures. In this prospective crossover trial, performed at the Oral Health Centre of the University of the Western Cape, CV and NZ mandibular dentures were made for each patient. Scores from the 20-item oral health impact profile (OHIP-20) for both types of dentures were compared with pre-treatment scores using paired t-tests. Treatment effect size (ES) was established. Associations of OHIP-20 scores and several patient variables (age, gender, period of edentulousness, quality of the denture-bearing tissue, denture dimensions, preference) were performed using the generalised linear model. Significance was set at P = 0·05. Records of thirty-five participants were included in the study (mean age of 62·3 years, range 47-85 years). There were highly significant differences between pre-treatment and both post-treatment OHIP-20 scores with t = 6·470 for CV and t = 6·713 for NZ. Treatment ES was large for both types of dentures (>0·8). Difference of ES between NZ and CV dentures was small (ES < 0·2). None of the patient variables showed significant associations with OHIP-20 scores of the two types of dentures, except for preference and NZ OHIP-20 scores. For this group of patients, both treatment methods improved OHRQoL significantly and patient-related factors did not influence impact on OHRQoL differently for both interventions.

A structural equation model to assess the influence of neuroticism on oral health-related quality of life in complete denture wearers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of patient neuroticism on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in complete denture wearers. BACKGROUND: There are some indicators of complete denture prognosis. The relationship between personality traits, mainly neuroticism and OHRQoL in complete denture wearers remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 199 edentulous patients participated in this study. Neuroticism was investigated using the Japanese version of the modified short form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (MS-EPQ). OHRQoL was measured according to the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous subjects (OHIP-EDENT-J). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the relationship between neuroticism and subscales of the OHIP-EDENT-J. RESULTS: The High and Low neuroticism groups fit the same model for the 5 subscales of the OHIP-EDENT-J-functional limitation, pain, disability, discomfort and handicap-with different path coefficients. The path from functional limitation to handicap via pain, disability and discomfort was the same as previously reported. However, path coefficients for pain to disability differed significantly between the 2 neuroticism groups. The High neuroticism group had higher estimated path coefficients for Pain compared with those for other subscales than did the Low neuroticism group. This finding indicates that the participants who are high in neuroticism felt pain more strongly, and their disability increased. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroticism may influence OHRQoL in complete denture wearers because of patients' perception of pain.

Prosthetic hygiene and functional efficacy in completely edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life during a 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction with function and hygiene maintenance in completely edentulous elderly patients rehabilitated with implant-supported fixed prostheses, overdentures, and conventional prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 geriatric patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (CD) patients rehabilitated with complete dentures; Group 2 (FP) patients with implant-supported fixed prostheses; Group 3 (OD) patients with overdentures. The patients responded to a questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Dental Impact Profile to evaluate satisfaction with their prostheses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA F and the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, with significance established as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the three groups. For oral hygiene, the group with overdentures showed better results, and the group with fixed prostheses was more satisfied with function. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction among these completely edentulous patients varied in relation to prosthetic type. The level of general satisfaction among patients with implant-supported prostheses was greater than the group using conventional dentures. Patients rehabilitated with fixed prostheses enjoyed a higher level of satisfaction than patients with overdentures.

Validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index in complete denture wearers.

To perform a validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for complete denture wearers and present a proposal for estimation of perceived oral health. This is a cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic sampling. A total of 211 subjects with a mean age of 62·5 (s.d. = 11·4) years participated, being 169 female. The GOHAI was applied in a personal interview. The construct/convergent/discriminant validity was tested using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the fit of three proposals of the GOHAI: three-factor, one-factor and second-order hierarchical models. The stability of the models was evaluated in independent samples. The three-factor model presented an inadequate fit, and items 3, 4 and 9 were removed. The new structure presented an acceptable fit and strong invariance in independent samples. The convergent, discriminant validity and internal consistency were below adequate. The one-factor model presented an adequate fit to the sample. Convergent validity was compromised. A strong invariance of the one-factor model was observed. To calculate the overall scores of the GOHAI factors (three-factor model) or of the oral health perception (one-factor model), a matrix of regression weights for each item in the model was presented as a suggestion. We found an adequate fit of the both structures of the GOHAI for denture wearers, but the three-factor structure was more parsimonious. We suggested considering the weights of the regression model to calculate the overall score of perceived oral health or of its factors in different samples.

Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life after treatment with traditional and simplified protocols for complete denture construction.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this randomised controlled clinical trial study was to compare the effectiveness of a traditional and a simplified protocol for construction of conventional CD. BACKGROUND: The replacement of conventional dentures can result in potential functional and aesthetic benefits to the patient. Previous studies suggest that simplified procedures for complete dentures (CD) construction achieve results similar to the traditional methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, traditional protocol (T group) and simplified protocol (S group). Treatment outcomes were assessed before the insertion of the new dentures and 30 days and 6 months after the last adjustment. It included measurements of quality of life related to oral conditions measured by the Brazilian version of OHIP-Edentulous scale and patients' satisfaction with the upper and lower dentures using a visual analogue scale (VAS), which combines the patient's perception in relation to overall satisfaction with the comfort, stability, ability to chew, ability to talk and aesthetics. RESULTS: The results showed significant reduction in negative impacts of oral conditions on quality of life and improved satisfaction with the upper and lower dentures (p < 0.001) at the 30-day and 6-month follow-up. Quality of life improvement occurred in all dimensions of the OHIP-Edentulous (p < 0.001). Despite the significant reduction in quality of life impacts and significant increase in patients' satisfaction with the dentures, there were no differences between the traditional and simplified protocols (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the simplified protocol results in patent's perception of treatment outcomes similar to the traditional protocol.

Psychometric properties of the Albanian version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale: OES-ALB.

UNLABELLED: The aim was to adapt the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES) and to test psychometric properties of the Albanian language version in the cultural environment of the Republic of Kosovo. METHODS: The OES questionnaire was translated from the original English version according to the accepted techniques. The reliability (internal consistency), and validity (construct, convergent and discriminative) were tested in 169 subjects, test-retest in 61 dental students (DS), and responsiveness in 51 prosthodontic patients with treatment needs (PPTN). RESULTS: The corrected item correlation coefficients of OES-ALB ranged from 0.686 to 0.909. The inter-item correlation coefficient ranged between 0.572 and 0.919. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.961 and IIC 0.758. Test- retest was confirmed by good ICCs and by no significant differences of the OES scores through the period of 14 days without any orofacial changes (p > 0.05). Construct validity was proved by the presence of one-factor composition that assumed 79.079% of the variance. Convergent validity showed significant correlation between one general question about satisfaction with orofacial esthetics and the OES summary score, as well as between the sum of the 3 OHIP-ALB49 questions related to orofacial aesthetics and the OES summary score. Discriminative validity was confirmed with statistically significant differences between DS, prosthodontic patients without treatment need and PPTN (p < 0.01). Responsiveness was confirmed by a significant increase of OES scores after PPTN patients received new fixed partial or removable dentures (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results proved excellent psychometric properties of the OES-ALB questionnaire in the Republic of Kosovo.

Impact of removable dentures on oral health-related quality of life among elderly adults in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of removable dentures can improve oral function and esthetics for elderly people, compared to those who do not wear removable dentures, those wearing removable dentures could have worse oral health related-quality of life (OHRQoL). Additional information is required to assess which factors related to denture wearing influence the OHRQoL of elderly individuals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between denture wearing and OHRQoL in a sample of elderly individuals in Taiwan. METHODS: The study population included 277 elderly people wearing removable dentures (mean age = 76.0 years). Using face-to-face interviews, we collected data on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, dental care service usage (regular dental checkups, treatment during toothache, dental visits in the last year), and factors related to denture wearing (perceived oral pain, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, perceived halitosis, perceived dry mouth, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores). OHRQoL was measured using the Taiwanese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-T). The location and number of remaining natural teeth and the type of denture were also recorded. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using GOHAI-T scores as the dependent variable. RESULTS: All the predictors together accounted for 50% of the variance in GOHAI-T scores. Further, education level, number of natural teeth, denture status, perceived loose denture, perceived oral ulcer, and perceived total denture satisfaction scores had statistically significant influences on OHRQoL. When compared with other variables, factors related to denture wearing, especially perceived total denture satisfaction scores, had the greatest impact on GOHAI-T scores. CONCLUSIONS: Of the factors analyzed in this study, denture satisfaction was the strongest predictor of OHRQoL. This suggests that denture satisfaction is useful for assessing the effect of denture treatment on the OHRQoL of elderly individuals wearing removable dentures.

[Dissertations 25 year after date 41. Older people's adaptability]. / Proefschriften 25 jaar na dato 41. Aanpassingsvermogen van ouderen.

In 1990, the thesis 'Removable complete dentures in older people, an issue dealing with adaptability?' was published. Among other things, this thesis aimed at finding a method of measuring older people's adaptability to removable complete dentures. Its conclusion was that a subscale of the "Beoordelingsschaal voor Oudere Patiënten" (Rating scale for older patients) had predictive value. Subsequently, only a few research projects on this topic have been carried out. They dealt with demonstrated adaptation achieved after treatment, the realised adaptation. The results were disappointing. Ever since the availability of endosseous oral implants, research into adaptability to conventional removable complete dentures seems less relevant. During the last decades, inquiries into a method of measuring treatment effectiveness has focused on older people's quality of life and general health condition. However, to assess with respect to oral health care an older person's general health condition and load-taking capacity adequately, some experience is indispensable.

[Correlation of psychoemotional status and adaptation to complete dentures].

Patients with full adentia are characterized by the formation of specific psycho-emotional status. Rational psychotherapeutic support of these patients largely determines the efficiency of dental prosthetic treatment. At the same time, the definition of mental and emotional status is not included in the diagnostic examination protocol. Considering the above the purpose of the study was to evaluate mental and emotional status of patients receiving complete dentures. Prosthetic rehabilitation of 30 patients with complete teeth loss was performed and clinical evaluation and evaluation of mental and emotional status were carried out before and after treatment. Patients with negative experiences of prosthetics showed a higher level of personal and situational anxiety. There was correlation of adaptation to removable dentures and the patient's personality traits. It is determined that emotional instability during treatment tends to decrease affecting the timing of adaptation to complete dentures. It is noted that patients with repeated prosthetics have earlier recovery of coordination ability of the masticatory muscles.