Dentures: Impact on patient quality of life
New denture wearers can face a difficult transition1–5
New patients may have unrealistic expectations for their new dentures,1 and the transition from natural teeth can be upsetting.2
The personal impact of dentures
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Impact on relationships
Up to 67% of full denture wearers have denture stomatitis4
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Trapped food
Entrapped food particles can cause pain and irritation.5
86% found entrapped food to be their most important denture issues.6
Impact of dentures on patients: how the transition to dentures can be upsetting
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The trauma of tooth extraction
Tooth extraction can be distressing for patients and often results in accelerated bone resorption.2
32% experienced reduction in bone horizontal dimension ≤3 months after extraction.7
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Discomfort of immediate dentures
Immediate dentures play an important role:
- Aesthetic, psychological and functional reasons
- Bandage and protect extraction wounds2
- Prevent bleeding2
But the transition can be challenging for patients:
- Changes in denture fit and comfort2
- Poor retention1
Key challenges facing the new denture patient:
- Discomfort
- The psychological impact of tooth loss, which increases in impact with the number of teeth lost
- Accepting that removable dentures do not provide the same functional benefit as natural teeth
- Reduction in quality of life: avoiding particular foods, difficulty relaxing, avoidance of social situations
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Further mobility and tooth loss associated with partial dentures can affect quality of life8–10
- Retentive clasps may be unsuitable or lose retention over time13
- Retention may become more dependent upon the mucosa and muscular control13
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Impact of excessive functional forces
Excessive functional forces on natural teeth may cause further mobility and tooth loss.11,12
Patients brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste should remove the partial denture first.
Polident - helping your patients on their journey to optimal denture care
Causes and mechanisms
Find out more about the factors that can limit denture performance and compromise hygiene
