Reasons for patient?s dissatisfaction with the design of complete denture base
Author(s): Zhanina Stamova Pavlova*
Abstract
Introduction: The successful recovery of the aesthetics is of vital importance for patient’s satisfaction with complete dentures. Despite the opportunities provided by the modern dental technologies, the significance of denture base aesthetics is frequently neglected. The aim of this research is to analyze patient’s satisfaction with the aesthetic characteristics of complete denture base and to find out whether the design of the complete denture has been created with participation of the patients. Materials and Methods: 105 patients (59 women and 46 men) who have been using complete dentures for more than 1 year were inquired. A questionnaire was created that includes questions about patients’ opinion about various aspects of reproducing the soft tissues via the denture base and whether their preferences were taken into account. Statistical data analysis was performed and chi square analysis was used to determine the associations with level of significance p < 0.05. Results and discussion: The most of patients (70%) report that the doctor of dental medicine didn’t discuss aesthetical issues in order to clarify his or her preferences. The reasons behind patients’ dissatisfaction are unsuitable denture base color, insufficient correction of soft tissues’ position and the shaping of the denture base in the visible area. Conclusion: Considerable numbers of patients (43.81%) do not approve the denture base appearance and believe that this impacts negatively the aesthetic effect of prosthetic treatment. The opportunity for determination in detail of the denture base characteristics is frequently omitted. The achievement of optimal aesthetic results requires patient’s informed participation.