Assessment of the trueness and tissue surface adaptation of CAD-CAM maxillary denture bases manufactured using digital light processing.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Limited information is available evaluating the trueness and tissue surface adaptation of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) maxillary denture bases fabricated using digital light processing (DLP). PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness of DLP-fabricated denture bases and to compare the tissue surface adaptation of DLP with milling (MIL) and pack and press (PAP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The maxillary denture bases were virtually designed on the reference cast and were fabricated using DLP and MIL. Their intaglio surfaces were scanned and superimposed on the reference computer-aided design denture base to evaluate the trueness. A total of 20 denture bases (10 per technique) were also fabricated on the duplicated master casts using DLP and MIL. Ten denture bases were additionally made using PAP. The intaglio surfaces of the dentures were scanned and superimposed on the corresponding casts to compare the degree of tissue surface adaptation among the 3 techniques. The Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA were used for statistical analyses (α=.05). RESULTS: The trueness of the DLP denture base was significantly better than that of the MIL denture base (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were detected with respect to tissue surface adaptation of the denture base among the groups (P<.001). The DLP denture base showed the best denture base fit among the 3 techniques with a small interquartile range. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the DLP maxillary denture base showed better trueness and tissue surface adaptation of ≤100 µm of the 3-dimensional surface deviation than the MIL and PAP denture bases.

An economic evaluation of maxillary implant overdentures based on six vs. four implants.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the value for money achieved by bar-retained implant overdentures based on six implants compared with four implants as treatment alternatives for the edentulous maxilla. METHODS: A Markov decision tree model was constructed and populated with parameter estimates for implant and denture failure as well as patient-centred health outcomes as available from recent literature. The decision scenario was modelled within a ten year time horizon and relied on cost reimbursement regulations of the German health care system. The cost-effectiveness threshold was identified above which the six-implant solution is preferable over the four-implant solution. Uncertainties regarding input parameters were incorporated via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis based on Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: Within a base case scenario of average treatment complexity, the cost-effectiveness threshold was identified to be 17,564 € per year of denture satisfaction gained above of which the alternative with six implants is preferable over treatment including four implants. Sensitivity analysis yielded that, depending on the specification of model input parameters such as patients' denture satisfaction, the respective cost-effectiveness threshold varies substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that bar-retained maxillary overdentures based on six implants provide better patient satisfaction than bar-retained overdentures based on four implants but are considerably more expensive. Final judgements about value for money require more comprehensive clinical evidence including patient-centred health outcomes.

Reliability and validity of a questionnaire for self-assessment of complete dentures.

BACKGROUND: Demand for complete denture treatment is expected to rise over several decades. However, to date, no questionnaire on complete dentures, as evaluated by edentulous patients, has been shown to be reliable and valid. This study sought to assess the reliability and validity of Patient's Denture Assessment (PDA), which provides a multidimensional evaluation of dentures among edentulous patients. METHODS: Patients, who had new complete dentures fabricated at the University Hospital of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University through 2009 to 2010, were enrolled. The reliability of the PDA was determined by examining internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Internal consistency for all of the question items and the six subscales was measured using Cronbach's α and average inter-item correlation coefficients among 93 participants. For 33 of these participants, test-retest reliability was determined at a 2 month-interval using the interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence interval for the summary scores and the six subscale scores. The PDA was validated in 93 participants by examining the difference in the summary score and the six subscale scores of the PDA before and after replacement with new dentures by the paired t-test. Ability to detect change was also tested in 93 patients using effect size. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α for the PDA ranged from 0.56 to 0.93. The average inter-item correlation coefficients ranged from 0.28 to 0.83. ICCs for the PDA ranged from 0.37 to 0.83. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between the summary score and the six subscale scores before and after replacement with new dentures (p < 0.05) and the effect size was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The PDA demonstrated good reliability by assessing internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In addition, the PDA demonstrated good validity by assessing discriminant validity. Thus, the PDA could help dentists obtain a detailed understanding of the patients' perceptions in using their dentures.

Crossover clinical trial of the influence of the use of adhesive on biofilm formation.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Contrasting results have been reported regarding the influence of the use of adhesive on biofilm formation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of adhesive on the formation of biofilm on the internal surface of complete dentures and the palatal mucosa of denture wearers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty participants with well-fitting complete dentures were randomly divided according to the experimental design: protocol 1, adhesive use during the first 15 days, followed by no use of adhesive over the next 15 days; protocol 2, no use of adhesives during the first 15 days, followed by adhesive use over the next 15 days. After each period, material from the mucosa and intaglio of the maxillary dentures was collected. Replicate aliquots were plated onto Petri dishes containing selective media for Candida spp, Streptococcus mutans, and a nonselective culture medium. Colony-forming units were expressed as log (CFU+1)/mL. In addition, the internal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular complete dentures were stained and photographed. From the photographs, the total internal surface and the surface stained with biofilm were quantified (software ImageTool 3.00), and the percentage of the biofilm-covered area (%) on the maxillary and mandibular dentures was calculated and compared with 2-way ANOVA. For the nonselective culture medium, data were compared with the paired-sample t test, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to compare the colony counts of Candida spp and Streptococcus mutans (α=.05). RESULTS: Similar colony counts were found with or without the use of adhesive for the mucosa and internal surfaces of maxillary dentures, irrespective of the culture medium (P>.05). The area of dentures covered with biofilm was influenced by the use of adhesive (P=.025), regardless of the type of denture (P=.121). CONCLUSIONS: The use of adhesive did not alter the colony counts of microorganisms from the palatal mucosa and maxillary dentures of complete denture wearers during the 15-day period, but it did influence the area covered with biofilm on the internal surfaces of the complete dentures.

Selection patterns of dietary foods in edentulous participants rehabilitated with maxillary complete dentures opposed by mandibular implant-supported prostheses: a multicenter longitudinal assessment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Documentation of long-term changes in food intake is lacking for those treated with a maxillary complete denture opposed by a mandibular, screw-retained, implant-supported fixed prosthesis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the selection patterns of dietary foods over 5 years for edentulous participants treated in a multicenter prospective clinical trial that compared cast alloy versus laser-welded titanium frameworks of an implant-supported prostheses opposed by maxillary complete dentures to rehabilitate edentulous participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study assessed data from a multicenter prospective clinical trial that followed edentulous participants from an initial baseline of wearing existing complete dentures to implant placement, restoration with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture, to follow-up assessment of these treatments over 5 years. The 32 participants in the cohort were treated at 5 of 9 participating centers. The data collected included 2 dietary forms, a standardized 4-day food diary form, and a dietary habits questionnaire. Each participant completed forms before entering into treatment (control) and at the 1- and 5-year follow-up assessment after being treated with a maxillary complete denture opposing a mandibular complete-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each measure at each assessment point. Regression analysis and the Sign test were used to calculate change in the participants' nutritional status (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the findings, it was noted that difficulty in masticating hard, raw, and fibrous foods decreased and intake of vegetable portions increased significantly from 2.5 to 3.3 servings. Participant comfort in eating in public places and their enjoyment of eating were significantly improved from 50% of participants being uncomfortable with their prior complete denture treatment to only 4% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that vegetable intake and ability to masticate raw, hard, and fibrous food for these participants improved when they received a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture. According to the analysis and findings, the overall eating experience was more pleasurable, and eating in public was more comfortable after replacement of complete dentures with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis.

Rehabilitation of a patient with an elusive medical history and loss of occlusal vertical dimension.

In this clinical report, we describe the medical history, diagnosis and prosthodontic treatment of a 61-year-old man with a previous history of oral cancer. Loss of a full upper denture and severe erosion of his teeth prompted the patient to seek treatment at the dental clinic at the British Columbia Cancer Agency. Although he stated that he was being treated for a sleeping disorder, hospital records revealed multiple recent admissions for alcoholism and depression. The patient's limited finances prevented complex restoration of worn lower dentition; thus, definitive treatment consisted of extraction of teeth with a poor prognosis, removal of a glandular odontogenic cyst and fabrication of a full maxillary prosthesis and a removable mandibular cast-metal overlay.

Intraoral framework pick-up technique to improve fit of a metal-resin implant prosthesis.

The achievement of passive fit is an important prerequisite for the prevention of complications in full-arch screw-retained implant prosthesis. With cemented prosthesis, the cementation compensates for the discrepancies in the cast framework, but the lack of retrievability seems undesirable. The aim of this paper is to propose a modified screw-retained prosthesis design for complete arch implant fixed rehabilitation. A technique for the fabrication of a full-arch metal-resin implant-supported screw-retained prosthesis is described. Cementation of the framework to the abutments intraorally improves the passivity of fit of the prosthesis on the implants. Maintenance of screw-access channels in the final prosthesis ensures retrievability. The metal-resin design allows for easy repair and maintenance. The prosthesis is cost-effective compared to conventional options and can be employed as a viable treatment alternative when considering metal-acrylic resin complete arch fixed prosthesis.

Association between self-assessment of complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors related to patient self-assessment of dentures are associated with changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among edentulous patients after replacement of complete dentures, and to determine whether masticatory performance as determined using an objective method affects the changes in OHRQoL among edentulous patients. As a preliminary study, the existing questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures consisting of 39 question items, measured with a 100-mm visual analogue scale, was analysed by factor analysis. Then a questionnaire, composed of 22 question items, was developed containing six subscales of 'function', 'lower denture', 'upper denture', 'expectation', 'aesthetic and speech' and 'importance'. Final participants in the present study comprised 93 edentulous patients requiring new conventional complete dentures (44 men, 49 women; mean age, 75·0 years). These patients were asked to complete the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-EDENT, comprising 19 question items for assessment of OHRQoL in edentulous patients, along with the developed questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures. Moreover, masticatory performance was measured using a colour-changeable chewing gum. The questionnaire and measurement were completed twice; before and after replacement of complete dentures. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified 'lower denture' and 'aesthetic and speech' as significant independent variables besides OHIP-EDENT scores before replacement. These results suggest that sufficient retention of lower dentures and appropriate appearance may lead to improved OHRQoL in edentulous patients.

Assessment of rehabilitation in edentulous patients treated with an immediately loaded complete fixed mandibular prosthesis supported by three implants.

PURPOSE: Conventionally, in patients with completely edentulous mandibles, fixed prostheses have been supported by four or more implants. However, an alternative protocol employing three implants and immediate loading has been developed. The objective of the present study was to assess the rehabilitation of edentulous patients treated with a complete fixed mandibular prosthesis with immediate loading and supported by three implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational study, a total of 99 implants placed in 33 patients was evaluated after 18 months in use. Panoramic radiographs were digitized to measure bone loss at the mesial and distal surfaces of each implant. RESULTS: Mean peri-implant bone loss was 0.66 ± 0.51 mm for the left implant, 0.92 ± 0.61 mm for the central implant, and 0.82 ± 0.53 mm for the right implant. The bone loss observed around the distal implants was similar to that seen around the central implant, and there were no statistically significant differences in peri-implant bone loss between the three implant locations. There was no significant correlation between implant length and bone loss. The results were compatible with the peri-implant bone loss that has been described for prostheses of the same type supported by larger numbers of implants. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a complete fixed mandibular prosthesis with immediate loading supported by three implants proved to be an adequate option for the rehabilitation of edentulous patients. The protocol allowed simplification of treatment while maintaining similar bone loss to that reported for the same type of treatment supported by a larger number of implants.

Glass fibre reinforced acrylic resin complete dentures: a 5-year clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to establish the wear resistance of the glass fiber reinforced complete dentures comparative to the traditional acrylic complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete new dentures were made to replace old fractured 'un'-reinforced acrylic dentures. The total number of dentures was 30 and woven E-glass fibre reinforcements were used in maxillary complete dentures. Unidirectional E-glass fibre reinforcements were used as partial fibre reinforcements in mandibular complete dentures. Ten complete acrylic un-reinforced dentures were used as control. The follow-up period was 5 years and the recalls were made at 6 months. RESULTS: After 5 years of wearing the new dentures, the control dentures suffered seven fractures. After 5 years all the mandibular reinforced dentures were in good shape. The maxillary complete reinforced dentures suffered four partial fractures. Fracture lines were restricted by the glass fibre net and the patients could still use their dentures. CONCLUSION: Pre-impregnated E-glass fibre nets and polymer pre-impregnated E-glass unidirectional fibres are useful in reinforcing acrylic resin complete dentures especially were heavy occlusal forces are involved. Glass fibre reinforcement will be applied on the tension side in both cases (total fibre reinforcement and partial fibre reinforcement). The reinforcement cannot replace the necessary linings and occlusal adjustments.

Avaliação clínica e microbiológica de prótese total deidosos em instituições assistenciais / Assessment clinical and microbiological of complete dentures in aged from health care institution

Introdução: O Brasil possui mais de sete milhões de idosos desdentados e a prótese totaldentária ainda é a principal forma de reabilitar esses indivíduos. O objetivo deste trabalhofoi avaliar clínica e microbiologicamente próteses totais usadas por idosos de instituiçõesassistenciais. Métodos - Foram avaliados 55 idosos, acima de 60 anos de idade, portadoresde prótese total superior. Foi utilizado um questionário para coleta de informações. Exameclínico do palato foi realizado para detecção de lesões inflamatórias, seguido de quantificaçãoda placa bacteriana visível e colheita de biofilme microbiano da região de palato da prótesetotal superior. As amostras de biofilme foram processadas para cultivo de leveduras do gêneroCandida. Resultados - O tempo de uso da prótese foi superior a 10 anos, com conservaçãoinsatisfatória. A higienização prevalente foi o uso de escova dental com dentifrício, comfrequência de três vezes ao dia, mas 56,4% das próteses apresentaram higienização precária.Lesões inflamatórias estavam presentes em 72,7% dos idosos e a colonização por Candidafoi detectada em 60% das próteses. O estudo das correlações revelou significância estatísticado padrão de higienização com a colonização de levedura e também com a presença de lesãono palato, enquanto o aumento no número de colônias de espécies de Candida correlacionou--se com lesões inflamatórias no palato. Conclusão - Os idosos são portadores de prótesesantigas e deterioradas, com higienização inadequada. As lesões inflamatórias fúngicas sãoprevalentes no palato. Faltam informações adequadas e programas de atendimento ao idosopara garantir melhores condições de saúde bucal.

Introduction: There are more than seven millions of completely edentulous aged in Braziland complete dentures are still the main way of rehabilitating these individuals. The purposeof this study was to appraise clinically and microbiologically complete dentures in aged fromhealth care institutions. Methods - 55 aged have been evaluated, over 60 years old, usingupper complete dentures. Questionnaire is used for take information about patients. Palateclinical examinations were made in order to detect de inflammatory lesions, in accordancewith the quantification of the visible bacterial plaque and collection of microbial biofilmof the palate region from upper complete denture. The biofilm samples were processed forcultivation of yeasts of Candida. Results - Used time of the prosthesis was above 10 years,which presented an unpleasant state of conservation. The common form of hygienization wasthe toothbrush with dentifrice, with frequency of three times a day, but 56,4% of the prosthesispresented precarious hygienization. The inflammatory lesions were present in 72,7% ofthe aged and the colonization by Candida was detected in 60% of the prosthesis. The studyof the correlations revealed statistical significance of the hygienization pattern along withthe colonization of yeasts and also with the presence of inflammatory lesions in the palate.Conclusion - The aged are users of old and damaged prosthesis, with inadequate hygienization.The colonization of Candida is prevalent, as well as the inflammatory lesions. Thereis a lack of appropriate information and assisting programs to aged in order to guaranteebetter mouth health conditions.

Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life outcomes of implant overdentures and fixed complete dentures.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL) in patients treated with implant-supported overdentures and complete implant fixed prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a database of patients who had undergone implant treatment over a 6-year period, a study population of 62 patients was identified; every patient had at least four implants placed in one edentulous arch and was restored with either an overdenture or a fixed prosthesis. Patients were examined and a self-administered, structured multiple-response questionnaire, including the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 measurement tool and a patient satisfaction survey, was used to evaluate patient-centered treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Generally, patient satisfaction was very high in both the implant overdenture and fixed prosthesis groups, although the subjects in the overdenture group, who had mostly maxillary prostheses, reported significantly lower overall satisfaction and lower satisfaction with chewing capacity and esthetics. In just three categories--cost, satisfaction with treating doctor, and ability to perform oral hygiene measures--the fixed prosthesis group was less satisfied than the removable overdenture group, but the difference was not significant. Similarly, the overall OHQOL was high, although patients receiving a fixed prosthesis demonstrated significantly lower psychologic discomfort and psychological disability compared to the overdenture group. CONCLUSIONS: Among all patients who had similar numbers of implants placed, those who received an implant overdenture were less satisfied and had lower OHQOL than the patients who had a fixed prosthesis. Since patient and dentist preferences influenced the type of prosthesis provided, it is likely that subjective, patient-related factors are major determinants of satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

Private practice of prosthodontists: current conditions of practice in the United States.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to examine data and results from the 2008 Survey of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to examine current trends and characteristics of prosthodontists in private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Characteristics of prosthodontists and conditions of private practice are based on surveys conducted in 2002, 2005, and 2008 sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontists. Survey results are used to estimate several characteristics including age, gender, number of patient visits, hours in the practice, employment of staff, referral sources, and financial conditions (gross receipts, expenses of the practice, and net income of prosthodontists). RESULTS: The average age of a private-practicing prosthodontist reached 51 years in 2007; 12.3 is the number of years in the current practice; and most prosthodontists (71%) are solo private practitioners. The average amount of time per week by prosthodontists in the practice averaged 36.1 hours, and prosthodontists treated an average of 44.1 patient visits per week. The largest source of patient referrals is the patient themselves. The largest percentage of a prosthodontist's treatment time is spent rendering procedures in fixed prosthodontics, but this percentage has declined since 2001. In 2007, the average gross billings of a practicing prosthodontist reached $805,675; average total practice expenses were $518,255; the mean net earnings of practitioners were $268,930. CONCLUSION: In 2007, prosthodontists in private practice paid out about $1.4 billion in practice expenses to provide $2.2 billion dollars in prosthodontic care. Based on survey results from 2007 and the previous 6 years, specialization in prosthodontic care continues to be an economically attractive and productive healthcare profession in the United States.

Complete edentulism and socioeconomic factors in a Jordanian population.

This study considered the need and demand for complete dentures in a select group of 600 Jordanian adults and the relationship between complete edentulism and sociodemographic variables by means of a pilot-tested questionnaire. Both maxillary and mandibular dentures were fabricated for 505 subjects, while 95 needed complete dentures in only one arch. Significantly more men than women requested complete dentures. Approximately 80% (28 of 35) of subjects who required replacement dentures for esthetic reasons were women, while over 85% (18 of 21) of subjects who required a spare set of dentures were men. The findings suggest a significant relationship between sociodemographic variables and edentulism, with age, education level, and socioeconomic status playing vital roles in edentulism and denture demand.

Denture stomatitis and its risk indicators in south Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if socio-demographic, behaviour and health variables are risk indicators for denture-related stomatitis in community-dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 872 subjects aged 60 years or more were evaluated. Data collection included dental examinations and questionnaires to assess socio-demographic, behaviour, general and oral health data. All questionnaires and examinations were carried out during 2004. Associations between the independent variables and the outcomes 'prevalence of denture stomatitis' or 'prevalence of granular stomatitis' were adjusted by means of multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Participants with denture stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, to display increased amounts of plaque, and significantly less likely to visit the dentist for treatment. Participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females and participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, aged 70 years or more and current smokers. In addition, participants with granular stomatitis displayed increased amounts of plaque. CONCLUSION: The data presented here confirms the central role of denture biofilm accumulation in denture stomatitis. It also indicates that smoking may increase susceptibility to infection in its most severe form.

Evaluation of in vivo denture plaque assessment methods.

BACKGROUND: Measurement and assessment of denture plaque can provide valuable information regarding an individual's oral health status and assessment of new treatments or products. Current methods tend to rely on subjective indices or image analysis derived planimetric (area measurement) assessment of stained plaque on dentures. Plaque indices are most commonly used to assess plaque coverage without image capture. This is not ideal because the methods are subjective, examiner bias may occur, there is no reproducibility between studies, the methods have lower accuracy and sensitivity than image analysis, and there is no record. To the authors' knowledge, no standardised published method of denture plaque assessment is currently employed for product development and testing. METHOD: In this study visual and planimetric plaque assessment methods were compared using reference dentures. In addition, an in vivo study compared these methods for evaluating denture cleanser efficacy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results show that blinded image scoring is more representative of the true plaque area coverage than 'live' denture scoring, detecting significant decreases in plaque coverage. Planimetric analysis provides a more sensitive and less subjective technique with greater differentiation between treatments. However, analysis is very time consuming. Thus, a number of recommendations are made regarding quantification of denture plaque for the assessment of cleanser products.

Subjective assessment by patients of the efficiency of two denture adhesive pastes.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the subjective responses of 30 denture wearers with regard to the effectiveness of two denture adhesive pastes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients responded to questions related to retention, chewing ability, taste, duration of adhesives in the mouth, and removal; comparing the use of two denture adhesives based on polymethylvinylether-maleic anhydride compounds or carboxymethyl cellulose. RESULTS: The denture adhesive paste based on polymethylvinylether-maleic anhydride (PVM-MA) compound was rated higher (73% and 87%) than carboxymethyl cellulose (CC) adhesive paste (60% and 37%) on chewing ability and duration in the mouth (p= 0.0001 and p= 0.0001, respectively) by experienced denture wearers in both maxilla and mandible. There were no statistically significant differences between the two denture adhesive pastes on the retention of maxillary dentures, taste, and removal of the adhesive (p= 0.08, p= 0.67, and p= 0.41, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: All subjects responded that the retention of their dentures was either a little better or much better when using either of the adhesive pastes.

The development of a method for functional assessment of dentures.

AIMS: To design and validate a method of assessing complete dentures from a functional standpoint. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 40 complete denture wearers took part in the study. SETTING: A university clinical department of prosthetic dentistry. INTERVENTION: We undertook a pilot study to refine the protocol and criteria. All participants and their dentures were examined by two authors independently, with no prior knowledge of the patients' complaints. DESIGN: We defined nine clinical factors of functional quality and applied criteria with binary scoring. We analysed the scores for these factors for inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: The method proved simple to apply and took less than 5 minutes to complete. The inter-examiner agreement for all factors was 86% to 100% giving Kappa scores of 0.64 to 1.00 (all Good or Very Good). CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully demonstrates that the technique, which we call the Functional Assessment of Dentures (FAD), can give good inter-examiner reliability. It can therefore be used separately as a routine diagnostic tool and to investigate the relationship between denture qualities and functional 'outcome' such as difficulty eating or dietary selection.