Outcomes with a posterior reduced dental arch: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Health

Background:

• Posterior reduced mandibular arches present a challenge in restorative dentistry.
• Removable partial dentures are a common treatment option for missing teeth.
• Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for evaluating treatment success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare function, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.
• To evaluate outcomes for patients with posterior reduced mandibular arches versus those with removable partial dentures.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing denture and no-denture groups.
• Sequential enrollment and allocation using concealed envelopes.
• Outcome assessment at 3 and 12 months using visual analogue scale and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP).

Main Results:

• 85% of patients in the no-denture group were satisfied with function and their status.
• Only 10% of patients in the denture group were satisfied, with 20% unhappy with function.
• Patients with reduced arches reported greater satisfaction, function, and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Non-denture treatment for reduced mandibular arches leads to superior patient satisfaction and function.
• Cobalt-chrome clasp-retained partial removable prostheses may not be the optimal choice for all patients.
• Preserving remaining teeth and function without prostheses can enhance oral health-related quality of life.