Experimental studies of adaptation to complete dentures related to ageing

The assessment of a patient's capability to adapt to new dentures is still a challenge in the prosthetic treatment of geriatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of age to manual motor ability as well as the mental concentration capacity in comparison to the oral motor ability and the capability to adapt to new dentures. Sixty complete denture wearers volunteered for the experiment. The results indicate, that the manual motor ability and the mental concentration capacity deteriorate with age, whereas the relationship of age to adaptation to new dentures and oral motor ability is less obvious. This may be due to the patient's denture experience.