RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of time-course changes and various types of removable dentures on the oral levels of Candida species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, 72 subjects were divided into three groups according to the type of denture replaced: Kennedy Class I or II removable partial dentures (RPDs), Kennedy Class III or IV RPDs, and complete dentures. Whole saliva and biofilm samples from the palate, tongue, dentures, and inner surface of the cheek were obtained and evaluated for Candida diversity before the delivery of the new prostheses (baseline) and at 1, 6, and 12 months postdelivery. The results were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Candida levels decreased after the insertion of the new dentures; however, after 6 months, Candida levels were similar to baseline, and complete denture wearers presented higher Candida counts than RPD wearers. CONCLUSION: The type of denture does not seem to be a decisive factor in Candida levels. After 6 months, Candida colonization was well established in all types of removable prostheses. Denture replacement alone did not guarantee a decrease in Candida levels for more than 6 months.