Objective assessment of denture adhesive effects on masticatory function in removable partial denture wearers

Clinical studies of the effects of denture adhesive (DA) on removable partial denture (RPD) wearers are scarce.

The purpose of this clinic trial was to assess the effects of DA on the masticatory function of RPD wearers and to explore the effects of DA on masticatory performance.

RPD wearers with extensive tooth loss were instructed to use a cream-type adhesive daily. Maximum occlusal force (MOF) and masticatory performance (MP) were measured at baseline and at 1 week and 12 weeks after intervention. Conditions of the oral, dental, denture, and denture-bearing tissues were recorded. Related-samples Friedman test and pairwise comparisons were performed to compare changes in MP and MOF over time. Univariate analysis was performed to explore factors associated with changes in MP.

One hundred and five RPD wearers were recruited, and 83 completed the study. After DA use, most RPD wearers showed an immediate improvement in denture retention (98.4%) and stability (90.2%). The MOF and MP improved over time (P<.001). The heat map showed that over half of the participants experienced improved MP, particularly those who had poorer MP at baseline. Univariate nonparametric analysis indicated that individuals with problematic dentures and those with metal-based dentures experienced greater benefits from using DA.

DA can enhance the retention and stability of RPDs for wearers with extensive tooth loss, thereby improving masticatory function in these individuals.