Diagnosis
Could your patients have problems with their dentures?
British Society of Prosthodontics (BSSPD) guidelines recommend that:1
- Adjustments should be made to dentures in light of the patient’s experiences or complaints
- Denture bearing areas should be examined for trauma even in the absence of patient complaints
- The importance of attending regular appointments for review should be explained to the patient
Denture troubleshooting checklist
Patient jaw size | Small lower jaw, flat alveolar ridges and a small basal seat can lead to poor denture stability, retention, chewing ability and denture satisfaction |
Polypharmacy/medical conditions | Ageing and increased medication use may lead to oral health problems, such as xerostomia (dry mouth), and limit normal denture retention |
Bone resorption | Poor retention with changes in denture fit and comfort |
Removable partial denture | Excessive functional forces on natural teeth may cause further mobility and tooth loss |
Psychological and physical wellbeing | Reduction in quality of life: discomfort, avoiding particular foods, difficulty relaxing and avoidance of social situations |
Help 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.
Impact on quality of life
Find out about the impact that dentures have on daily lives.