Influence of denture-bearing conditions on masticatory function and patient-reported outcomes measures

To investigate the influence of different denture-bearing conditions on the masticatory function and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of complete denture wearers.

Sixty edentulous patients were selected and allocated into two groups according to the American College of Prosthodontics' (ACP) classification: non-atrophic (NAT) (Classes I and II) (n = 24) and atrophic (AT) (Classes III and IV) (n = 36). All patients received new complete dentures (CDs). The objective variables (masticatory performance and swallowing threshold) were assessed as well as the PROMs (oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-EDENT), patient satisfaction) and quality of the prosthesis, at baseline (using the old CD) and after 4 months new prostheses use. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test followed by the Generalized Equations Estimation (GEE), linear regression and Chi-square test.

Higher masticatory performance was observed in the NAT group (p < .05) for both time points, baseline and after 4 months. However, compared to baseline, both groups showed significant masticatory improvement after 4 months (p < .05). Satisfaction and overall quality of life improved after 4 months with no difference between groups (p > .05). Regarding the quality of the CD, baseline results were significantly (p < .05) lower in the AT group, but after 4 months, no significant differences were found between groups and in intragroup analysis (p > .05).

The denture-bearing conditions seems to impact masticatory function, but the PROMs are barely affected.