Impact of artificial teeth occlusal morphology on bimaxillary denture treatment in elderly: a clinical trial

To evaluate the performance of complete dentures (CD) with anatomical and nonanatomical teeth in completely edentulous elderly individuals regarding oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), satisfaction, masticatory performance (MP), need for adjustment after CD placement, and patient preference for occlusal type.

A randomized crossover clinical trial comprising 50 edentulous elderly individuals was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups: AT-NT (rehabilitated initially with anatomical teeth and 3 months later with nonanatomical teeth) and NT-AT (rehabilitated initially with nonanatomical teeth and 3 months later with anatomical teeth). OHRQoL was analyzed using the OHIP-EDENT; a satisfaction questionnaire was applied; MP was evaluated by the median particle size (×50) after chewing an artificial test food; and the number of adjustments of the prosthesis base was assessed quantitatively.

Overall, 34 elderly individuals (mean age: 69 years) were analyzed. No significant difference was observed between CD users with anatomical and nonanatomical teeth for OHRQoL (P = .674), satisfaction (P = .725), MP (P = .849), or number of adjustments (P = .135). Most subjects (52.9%) did not express a preference for any occlusal surface type. However, among those with a preference, the majority (32.4%) opted for nonanatomical teeth.

Both posterior tooth types are eligible for oral rehabilitation in elderly users of conventional CDs, as the variables were not influenced by occlusal morphology. However, further studies are warranted in highly resorbed mandibular edges or in cases of adaptation difficulties, as the results may differ.