A systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of denture adhesives

This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy of denture adhesives (DAs) for complete dentures (CDs), and to provide clinical recommendations for prosthodontists and general practitioners.

Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to March 2020) for relevant randomized and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs and CCTs) evaluating the efficacy of DAs when applied to CDs. Primary outcomes were objectively assessed variables directly related to mastication (denture retention, maximum bite force and masticatory efficiency). Secondary outcomes included other objectively assessed variables and patient-reported outcomes.

Of the 1729 records identified, 39 studies (43 articles) were included in the analysis. Among them, 23 were RCTs and 16 were CCTs, with two multicenter clinical trials (1 RCT and 1 CCT). Meta-analysis results indicated that DAs provided significantly higher retention (SMD 1.34, 95 % CI: 0.89-1.79, P < 0.001) for CDs. Bite force (SMD 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.50-1.47, P < 0.001) and masticatory performance (SMD 0.72, 95 % CI: 0.23-1.22, P = 0.004) of the CD wearers were also improved after using DAs, but the effect size was relatively smaller.

Based on the results of this systematic review, it is concluded that DAs can improve denture retention, bite force and masticatory performance of CD wearers.

This study investigated the effects of all types of DAs for CDs in terms of their effects on denture retention, masticatory performance, oral health-related quality of life and oral microorganisms for CD wearers.