Comparison of tensile bond strength of denture reline materials on denture bases fabricated with CAD-CAM technology.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies that have analyzed the bond strength of resilient denture liners to milled denture bases are sparse, and the authors are unaware of research that has investigated the tensile bond strength of denture relining materials to 3D-printed denture bases. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the tensile bond strength of both hard and soft denture reline materials on denture bases fabricated by 3D printing and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) milling technology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Injected, milled, and printed denture base specimens were fabricated (n=30) and bonded to 5 different denture reline materials: soft chairside reline (Coe Soft and PermaSoft), hard chairside reline (Tokuyama Rebase ii and Kooliner), and hard laboratory reline (ProBase Cold). Specimens of each reline material were divided into 5 groups (n=10) and were placed in distilled water for 24 hours before tensile testing. Maximum tensile stress values before failure were recorded, and the failure mode was also determined. The type of failure was analyzed by a scanning electron microscope. Statistics were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Overall, no statistically significant difference in tensile bond strength was found in the injected, milled, and printed denture groups. However, the printed denture base group demonstrated significantly lower values of tensile bond strength (P<.05) with PermaSoft, Tokuyama Rebase ii, and ProBase Cold groups than other denture base groups (milled and injected). The milled denture bases had the highest mean value of tensile bond strength with 4 of the 5 denture relining materials tested (Coe Soft, PermaSoft, Tokuyama Rebase ii, and Kooliner). No statistically significant difference (P>.05) was found among the injected, milled, and printed denture bases when relined with Kooliner. When comparing the denture reline type, the lowest values were seen with the soft chairside relining materials, and highest values with the hard laboratory reline material. Among the modes of failure, adhesive failures were observed predominantly with the printed denture base materials relined with soft chairside relining materials, while cohesive and mixed modes of failure were found in the milled and injected denture base groups. CONCLUSIONS: The printed denture bases had significantly lower tensile bond strength values than the injection and milled denture bases with the PermaSoft, Tokuyama Rebase ii, and ProBase Cold denture relines, while milled denture bases demonstrated the highest values of tensile bond strength for all chairside relining groups. In addition, the soft chairside relining materials showed the lowest tensile bond strength values regardless of the denture processing method with respect to the denture base type (injected, printed, and milled) compared with the hard relining materials.

Effect of implant-supported mandibular overdentures versus reline on masticatory performance and salivary flow rates in very old adults-A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the masticatory efficiency (ME), maximum voluntary bite force (MBF), masseter muscle thickness (MMT), and salivary flow rates (SFR) in completely edentulous dependent elders treated either with a conversion of their existing mandibular complete removable dental prostheses (CRDPs) into a two-implant overdenture (IOD) or a conventional reline of the CRDP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated into intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. The IG received two implants in the mandibular canine regions, and their CRDPs were transformed into IODs. The CG received a conventional reline of their mandibular CRDPs. Outcomes were recorded at each recall visit (baseline, immediately, 3 months, 12 months after intervention, and subsequently on an annual basis). Statistical analyses used mixed linear regression models (level of significance: p < 0.05). RESULTS: The IG comprised 16 participants (age = 85.0 ± 6.2 years), while the CG comprised 16 (age = 84.8 ± 5.4 years), with a mean follow-up of 2.7 ± 2.2 years (range: 3 months-7 years). A significant increase of MBF in the IG was observed with an overall gain of 80 N (p < 0.001) compared with the reline group. There were no significant long-term changes in SFR, MMT, or ME within/between groups. CONCLUSION: Since dependent elders with mandibular IODs present a significant gain in MBF, but no relative increase in SFR, MMT, and ME, it seems that this increased capacity of MBF is not exploited by the elders during their habitual chewing.

The Effect of Food-Simulating Agents on the Bond Strength of Hard Chairside Reline Materials to Denture Base Resin.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of food-simulating agents on the shear bond strength between direct hard liners and denture base acrylic resin. In addition, mode of failure was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty cylindrical columns of denture base resin were fabricated and bonded to three types of hard reline materials (Hard GC Reline, Tokuyama Rebase II Fast, TDV Cold Liner Rebase). Specimens of each reline material were divided into five groups (n = 10) to undergo 12-day immersion in distilled water, 0.02 N citric acid aqueous solution, heptane, and 40% ethanol/water solution at 37°C. The control group was not immersed in any solution. The shear bond strength test was performed, and the failure mode was determined. Statistics were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and chi-square test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant interaction was found between the hard liners and food simulating agents (p < 0.001). The shear bond strength of Tokuyama in 40% ethanol and TDV in heptane decreased significantly (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively); however, none of the solutions could significantly affect the shear bond strength of Hard GC Reline (p = 0.208). The mixed failure mode occurred more frequently in Hard GC Reline compared with the other liners (p < 0.001) and was predominant in specimens with higher bond strength values (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Food simulating agents did not adversely affect the shear bond strength of Hard GC Reline; however, ethanol and heptane decreased the bond strength of Tokuyama and TDV, respectively. These findings may provide support to dentists to recommend restricted consumption of some foods and beverages for patients who have to use dentures relined with certain hard liners.

Patient-centered and clinical outcomes of mandibular overdentures retained with the locator system: A prospective observational study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Whether clinical or demographic variables affect the perception of treatment in terms of quality of life and satisfaction is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to make an evidence-based assessment of the treatment outcomes (patient- and clinically based) of locator-retained mandibular overdentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study assessed patients with edentulism who had worn mandibular overdentures supported by 2 implants and retained by the locator system for at least 1 year of functional life (N=80). Medical histories were reviewed, and patients underwent oral examinations. Prosthetic clinical outcomes and patient well-being were registered using the Oral Health Impact Profile 20 (OHIP-20) and Oral Satisfaction Scale (OSS). RESULTS: Patient well-being scored an overall OHIP-20 score of 19.0 ±14.0 of 80 (the higher the score, the greater the impact and the worse the oral health-related quality of life); overall oral satisfaction was 8.3 ±1.7 of 10. Women suffered greater social impact (0.8 ±1.0) and disability (0.4 ±0.8) than men (0.4 ±0.7 versus 0.2 ±0.4, respectively). Impact on well-being was inversely proportional to both patient age and the age of the prosthesis (r=-0.25; P<.01). Implants had been placed on average 73.6 ±39.2 months previously, showing a survival rate of 82.5%. Most of the overdentures had been functioning for over 60 months. Relining (46.3%), readjustments (82.5%), and changes of nylon retention (1.5 ±1.8 per patient over 60 months of use) devices negatively influenced well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular overdentures produced good results with regard to quality of life and oral satisfaction, but attention should be paid to factors affecting clinical outcomes and patient well-being.

Effectiveness of chemical disinfection on biofilms of relined dentures: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of disinfection with sodium perborate or chlorhexidine (when combined with brushing) on the removal of biofilm in relined dentures. METHODS: Swabs were collected 48 hours after the relining procedure and at the follow-up time intervals of 7, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days. The dentures' surface roughness was measured at the same times. 45 subjects were randomly divided into three groups of 15 subjects each. The control group brushed with coconut soap and a soft toothbrush. The sodium perborate group followed the same procedure and also disinfected with sodium perborate solution for 5 minutes per day. The chlorhexidine group followed the control group procedure and disinfected with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution for 5 minutes per day. The number of colony forming units and the surface roughness were evaluated statistically by 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The control group dentures exhibited similar levels of microbial cells throughout the experiment. However, after 15 days, no microbial growth was observed on the dentures for which either disinfection agent was used. There were no statistically significant differences in superficial roughness between the groups (P = 0.298). The disinfection agents used, combined with brushing, were able to remove the relined dentures' biofilm after 15 days of disinfection. Roughness was not a predominant factor in CFU reduction.

Effect of incorporating antifungals on the water sorption and solubility of interim resilient liners for denture base relining.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Incorporating antifungals into interim denture resilient liners has been proposed to prolong their clinical longevity and to treat denture stomatitis. However, information is lacking on the effect of this addition on water sorption and solubility. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the addition of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antifungals for Candida albicans biofilm on the water sorption (WS) and solubility of interim denture resilient liners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (n=10; 50×0.5 mm) of tissue conditioner (Softone) and resilient liner (Trusoft) were created either without (control) or with the incorporation of 1 of the 3 following drugs at MICs (g of drug per g of resilient material powder): nystatin (Ny, 0.032g/g), chlorhexidine diacetate (Chx, 0.064g/g), and ketoconazole (Ke, 0.128g/g). Specimens were dried; immersed in water for 24 hours and 7 or 14 days; weighed, dried, and weighed again. Data (µg/mm(3)) were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey-Kramer honest significant differences test (α=.05). RESULTS: At the 14-day interval, only the addition of Chx (483.0 ±61.0 µg/mm(3)) increased the WS of the tissue conditioner compared with the control group (244.0 ±42.0 µg/mm(3); P<.001). For all periods, the solubility of both materials increased with the addition of Chx (27.7 ±6.1 µg/mm(3)) and Ke (30.9 ±5.3 µg/mm(3)) compared with the control group (22.5 ±6.0 µg/mm(3); P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: After 14 days, the addition of Ny and Ke at MICs in both Softone and Trusoft and addition of Chx in Trusoft did not affect WS. The solubility of the 2 interim materials was not altered by the addition of Ny for up to 14 days.

Surface treatment with methyl formate-methyl acetate increased the shear bond strength between reline resins and denture base resin.

BACKGROUND: Chemical surface treatment increases the shear bond strength (SBS) between hard reline resins (HRRs) and denture base resin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of methyl formate-methyl acetate (MF-MA), when used as a surface treatment agent, on the SBS between denture base resin and different HRRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty specimens of heat-polymerised acrylic resin denture base (Meliodent(®) ) were divided into 12 groups. These groups comprised denture base relined with three self-polymerised HRRs [Unifast trad(®) (UT), Tokuyama(®) RebaseII Fast (TR), Ufi gel hard(®) (UG)], and treated with their respective Bonding Agent (BA) or by MF:MA solutions at ratios of 35:65, 25:75, and 15:85 for 15 s. The SBS was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. The data were analysed using two-way anova and post hoc Tukey's analysis at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest SBS was in the UT treated with MF:MA at a ratio of 25:75 group, followed by UT treated with MF:MA at ratios of 15:85, 35:65, UT treated with BA, and all UG treated with MF:MA groups. The SBS of the UT treated with MF:MA at a ratio of 25:75 group was significantly higher than those of the groups treated with BA. The SBS of the UG treated with MF:MA groups was significantly higher than control. The TR groups treated with BA or MF:MA groups showed no significant difference in SBS. CONCLUSION: Surface treatment with MF-MA significantly enhanced the SBS of denture base resin and UT and UG compared to that of the groups treated with BA.

Consequences of relining on a maxillary complete denture: A clinical report.

The position of a complete denture may change after relining, especially in the maxillary arch. This report reviews relining techniques and presents a situation with anterior displacement after the relining of a maxillary complete denture. Instead of providing a new denture, the displaced denture was repaired and the original tooth arrangement maintained.

Radiopaque dental impression method for radiographic interpretation, digital alignment, and surgical guide fabrication for dental implant placement.

Adequate visualization of existing/proposed tooth position, denture base contours, and prosthetic space is critical to treatment planning of dental implants. Multiple techniques exist for fabricating radiographic guides; many involve duplicating the patient's existing prosthesis or fabricating a new diagnostic template. This article describes a technique that provides anatomic and restorative information by using an existing prosthesis and a radiographic impression method without the need to fabricate a duplicate or new template.

A technique for relining bar-retained overdentures.

This article describes a technique for relining a mandibular bar-retained overdenture that allows recording the soft tissue beneath the bar and makes it possible to replace or modify the retentive bar attachment simultaneously with the reline procedure.

Double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses: a retrospective study of survival and complications.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Research data are scarce on double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses. In double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses, crown-like copings are definitively cemented to the abutment teeth and serve as prosthesis attachments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of double-crown-retained removable dental prostheses in use for 7 years and to determine their most common complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate the clinical outcome of 117 prostheses in 86 patients with 385 abutment teeth. Thirty-two telescopic-crown-retained removable dental prostheses, 51 conical-crown-retained removable dental prostheses, and 34 resilient telescopic-crown-retained overdentures were clinically reexamined by 1 investigator. Prosthesis success was defined as survival without severe complications (abutment tooth extraction). Statistical analyses were performed with Kaplan-Meier modeling and Cox regression (α=.05). RESULTS: Minor complications, for example, the decementation of primary crowns (34.2%), failure of the veneer of secondary crowns (11.1%), fracture of the denture base (17.1%), and the need for relining (12%), were common. Cumulative prosthesis survival for all types of prostheses was 93.8% after 7 years. After the same period, prosthesis success was 90% for telescopic-crown-retained removable dental prostheses and 78.5% for conical-crown-retained removable dental prostheses and resilient telescopic-crown-retained overdentures. CONCLUSIONS: The medium-term double-crown-retained removable dental prosthesis survival found in this retrospective investigation appears acceptable. When bearing in mind the limits of this study, this kind of prosthesis might be a viable treatment option for patients with a reduced dentition. However, more laboratory and clinical research is necessary to reduce the incidence of minor complications and confirm the present in vivo results in larger patient groups.

A conservative approach to rebasing an implant-retained fixed complete denture.

After years of service, the acrylic resin base of an implant-retained fixed complete dental prosthesis may need to be replaced because of the wear of the acrylic resin teeth. The most common methods used by dental laboratories to remove the acrylic resin from the metal framework are either burning with a flame or grinding. Both of these methods risk exposing the dental laboratory technician to hazardous by-products and damaging or contaminating the metal framework or the gold cylinders. This article presents a safe approach to removing acrylic resin while preserving the integrity of the framework. The technique involves heating the prosthesis to beyond the glass transitional temperature of the acrylic resin to allow the resin to be safely peeled off the framework.

A nonsurgical approach to treating aggressive inflammatory papillary hyperplasia: a clinical report.

Preprosthetic interventions in patients with aggressive forms of inflammatory papillary hyperplasia have historically involved surgery. These procedures often involve significant postoperative discomfort and morbidity. Additionally, some patients who present with dental phobias, aversions to surgery, or underlying systemic disease may not be amenable to this type of surgical intervention. In this report, a patient with severe inflammatory papillary hyperplasia and phobias regarding the dentist and dental surgery was treated nonsurgically, following strict adherence to a clinical protocol. The methodology involved greater patient comfort during treatment, encouraged positive reinforcement to visiting the dentist for recall appointments, and effectively eliminated the underlying inflammatory papillary hyperplasia, allowing for the successful fabrication of the definitive removable prostheses.

Clinical performance and satisfaction of removable prostheses with self-adjusting magnetic attachments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional magnetic attachments have rigid assemblies and are unable to compensate for the movement of the prosthesis under function, which may result in the deepening of periodontal pockets and an increase in the mobility of abutment teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance and satisfaction of participants with removable prostheses with self-adjusting magnetic attachments that allow vertical and rotational movement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical performance of 17 prostheses with 22 self-adjusting magnetic attachments in 16 participants was analyzed for a mean of 3.1 years. Periodontal indices, including probing pocket depth and tooth mobility, were measured at denture placement (baseline) and from 0.5 to 5 years after insertion. Control data were obtained from the remaining teeth, which were restored by resin or metal coping. Prosthetic parameters, including the reduction of retention in self-adjusting magnetic attachments, reline, or fracture of dentures, were also recorded. A visual analog scale questionnaire on participant satisfaction with stability, comfort, and cleaning of the prostheses was completed. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and 1-way analysis of variance (α=.05) were performed on data collected at the time of prostheses placement and final follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in terms of probing pocket depth and tooth mobility between the baseline and postinsertion data for self-adjusting magnetic attachments and control teeth. Retention in all prostheses was stable, without reduction. Higher visual analog scale scores for "easy cleaning" were noted. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference between baseline and postinsertion was noted regarding the periodontal condition of self-adjusting magnetic attachments and control teeth with resin or metal coping materials.

Surface roughness and Candida albicans biofilm formation on a reline resin after long-term chemical disinfection and toothbrushing.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Routine cleaning of a denture may increase the surface roughness of the material. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of denture cleansers and time on the roughness and Candida albicans biofilm formation on a reline resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of Tokuyama Rebase Fast II (20 × 10 × 2 mm) were prepared and divided into 9 groups (n=15): Test groups were toothbrushed (30 cycles per day) in 1 of the following solutions: water, soap, or toothpaste. After toothbrushing, the specimens were immersed in solutions of water, sodium perborate, or chlorhexidine. These treatments were done once a day for 365 days. The surface roughness was evaluated at 0, 7, 15, 30, 90, 180, 270, and 365 days, and the C albicans biofilm formation was measured after 365 days. The roughness data were analyzed by 3-way repeated measures ANOVA and the Tukey test (α=.05), and the C albicans biofilm formation was analyzed by 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the toothbrush and time interaction and in the toothbrush, immersion, and time interaction (P<.001). No significant differences were found between the toothbrush agent and chemical disinfection (P=.085) or between chemical disinfection and time interaction (P=.604). Brushing with dentifrice (PPb and PCh) showed a gradual decrease in surface roughness. The comparison among groups showed that PCh produced the lowest values of roughness. For C albicans biofilm formation, no significant differences were found among the experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: The roughness values ranged from 0.31 to 0.69 µm for all evaluated groups. For all groups, no significant differences were found in the quantification of C albicans.

Denture stomatitis and salivary vascular endothelial growth factor in immediate complete denture wearers with type 2 diabetes.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Diabetes mellitus type 2 is associated with a variety of oral mucosal changes, including an altered level of salivary vascular endothelial growth factor. However, the authors identified no studies concerning denture stomatitis and salivary vascular endothelial growth factor in immediate denture wearers with diabetes mellitus type 2. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for denture stomatitis in immediate complete denture wearers with and without diabetes mellitus type 2 and to investigate the relationship between levels of salivary vascular endothelial growth factor and clinical forms of denture stomatitis in both groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Individuals without diabetes (n=42) or with diabetes mellitus type 2 (n=36) who were candidates for complete immediate dentures were included in the study. After 1 year of wearing relined immediate dentures, participants were evaluated for denture stomatitis and potential contributing factors. Salivary vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Data were analyzed with the χ(2) test or the Student t test where appropriate, as well as with binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of denture stomatitis was 61% in participants with diabetes mellitus type 2 and 38% in those without diabetes. Low denture stability and diabetes mellitus type 2 were risk factors for denture stomatitis. Salivary vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations at the beginning of the study were 557.6 ±94.7 pg/mL in participants with diabetes mellitus type 2 and 103.5 ±21.6 pg/mL in those without diabetes. In Newton Type I and Newton Type II denture stomatitis, vascular endothelial growth factor levels were 460.9 ±55.4 pg/mL and 1445.2 ±422.1 pg/mL in individuals with diabetes and 73.2 ±10.0 pg/mL and 306.5 ±22.6 pg/mL in those without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived denture stability and diabetes mellitus type 2 are independent risk factors for the occurrence of denture stomatitis. Altered salivary vascular endothelial growth factor levels and denture stomatitis are more prevalent in denture wearers with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Oral health of older people admitted to hospital for needs assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical oral health status, treatment needs and oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of older people admitted to older persons' wards at Dunedin Public Hospital due to a sudden worsening of their general health. Participants and methods: A systematic oral assessment was undertaken for a consecutive case series of 200 patients (59.5% female; mean age 82.6 years, sd 6.6) admitted to older person's wards at Dunedin Public Hospital. The Oral Health Impact Profile-20 (OHIP-20) was used to assess OHRQoL. RESULTS: One in three (36.0%) had been living independently at home prior to admission, and over half (55.0%) had been admitted for a medical reason which required assessment. Half (50.0%) of the participants were dentate (with an average of 16.8 teeth). There was an average of 1.9 decayed teeth present in the dentate group; 70.7% of individuals required restorations or extractions, and about 90% required only simple scaling of the teeth and prophylaxis. A reline or a replacement denture were required by three-quarters of those with dentures. Almost two-thirds of participants did not have a regular dentist, and fewer than one in three had made a dental visit in the previous year. One in six described their oral health as 'fair' or 'poor', and just under one-third reported dry mouth. Dentate participants, those without xerostomia, and those reporting better oral health had better OHRQoL, reflected in lower OHIP-20 scores. Affecting 37.1% of participants, functional limitation was the most commonly experienced of the OHIP-20 domains, followed by physical disability and physical pain (18.0% and 15.6% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The oral health of medically compromised and functionally dependent but cognitively competent older people in this study is generally poor. If transfer to long-term care is indicated, early and proper preventive measures and appropriate dental contact should be advocated in order to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life for older people.

Surface roughness of acrylic and silicone-based soft liners: in vivo study in a rat model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vivo animal study was to investigate changes in the surface roughness of soft liners over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus albinus) were fitted with acrylic custom-made palatal plates relined by dynamic impressions and tested with the following soft liners: Dentuflex (DF), Trusoft (TS), Dentusoft (DS), and Ufi Gel P (UG). Half of the animals for each tested material had the plates fitted during the material reline procedure. Their surface roughness was read immediately (IRa group, n = 5). The other half used the palatal plates for 14 days before roughness readings were performed (FRa group, n = 5). The surface roughness (Ra) of the inner surface from the relined dentures was recorded using a Surftest SJ-401 with eight readings per specimen, and mean values were obtained. Data (µm) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: IRa means (2.92 ± 0.87 µm) and FRa means (3.35 ± 0.65 µm) were significantly different (p = 0.016). UG showed a lower (p = 0.01) Ra mean (2.1 ± 0.52 µm) than DF (3.94 ± 0.81 µm), TS (4.12 ± 0.64 µm), and DS (3.27 ± 0.64 µm). CONCLUSIONS: Ufi Gel P showed the smoothest surface among the materials evaluated. The period of use resulted in changes in the surface roughness of the materials tested.

Smiles for success: restoring functional dentition one mouth at a time.

Edentulism is the outcome of a multifactorial process involving biological factors and patient-related factors. Prosthodontics serves as a solution. Tooth replacement through prosthetic devices may be prohibitive for the underserved population due to barriers such as cost and lack of transportation. A community service project was developed as a response strategy to address these concerns in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With the help of Indiana University Purdue University (IPFW) Dental Laboratory Technology students and local dental professionals, the Smiles for Success: Restoring Functional Dentition One Mouth at a Time project assisted the underserved of Fort Wayne. Success was accomplished through the repair or reline of existing dentures, as well as the creation of new partial and complete oral prosthetic appliances. Working within the existing healthcare framework of an inner city clinic and local health fair for the underserved, the project completed work on 29 dentures and restored 22 patients to functioning dentitions. While the prosthetic appliances bring about new and restored smiles, it leads to a lifetime of new opportunities and improved health.

Evaluation of Masticatory Function, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Among Users of Complete Dentures Relined with Resilient Materials: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether complete dentures (CDs) relined with long-term resilient liners (LTRLs) favor better masticatory function, satisfaction, and quality of life among completely edentulous patients compared to conventional CDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and was registered in PROSPERO (the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42021258700). The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) purpose was to determine whether CDs relined with LTRLs favor better masticatory function, satisfaction, and quality of life among completely edentulous patients when compared to CDs. Searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Lilacs, BBO, and OpenGrey databases. Manual searches were also performed to identify additional primary studies. RESULTS: Overall, 3,953 articles were found. After removing duplicates, reading the articles, and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were selected for qualitative analysis, totaling 422 patients with follow-up periods ranging from 1 week to 3 years. Among these, 8 studies assessed masticatory function using different methods, 2 assessed satisfaction, 1 assessed quality of life, and 4 assessed more than one outcome. Through qualitative analysis, LTRLs showed satisfactory results in most studies when compared to CDs in relation to masticatory function, satisfaction, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: LTRLs favor better masticatory function, satisfaction, and quality of life among completely edentulous patients compared to CDs.