Influence of different denture adhesives on patient-based outcomes: A crossover randomized controlled trial

The influence of different denture adhesive forms on retention, stability, denture movement, and masticatory efficiency have been studied. However, studies that investigated their effect on patient-based outcomes are scarce.

The purpose of this crossover randomized controlled trial was to investigate the influence of 3 different denture adhesive forms on patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in edentulous individuals.

A total of 30 edentulous participants were enrolled. They initially received conventional dentures, which they used for 3 months. They were then instructed to use 3 forms of denture adhesives (cushion, paste, and powder) for 3 months each. Patient satisfaction was assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS), and OHRQoL was assessed by using the oral health impact profile in the edentulous adults instrument. Assessments were done 3 months after wearing the conventional dentures, then after by using each denture adhesive form for 3 months, with a 1-month washout period. The average retention duration for each form and participant preference were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted by using the repeated measures ANOVA test followed by the Scheffé test for VAS scores and retention duration. The Friedman test followed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for OHRQoL scores (α=.05).

Irrespective of their forms, denture adhesives significantly improved patient satisfaction in most aspects (P<.001) and significantly improved OHRQoL (P<.001). VAS scores for the cushion form were significantly higher than those for the other 2 forms regarding general satisfaction, comfort, and ease of cleaning dentures and tissues. For stability and masticatory ability, the cushion and paste forms were significantly better (P<.05) than the powder form. OHRQoL scores were significantly higher (worse) for the powder form compared with the other 2 forms for the functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability domains, with insignificant differences between the cushion and paste forms (P>.05). The powder form found the shortest retention duration and the least preference.

Denture adhesives significantly improved OHRQoL and almost all aspects of patient satisfaction. The cushion form provided higher satisfaction levels for most aspects, followed by paste and then powder. OHRQoL outcomes were comparable for all forms, except for the functional limitation, physical pain, and physical disability domains, which were significantly better with the cushion and paste forms. The cushion and paste forms were more retentive and more preferred by the participants than the powder form.