Denture care: Impact on patient quality of life
New denture wearers can face a difficult transition1–5
New patients may have unrealistic expectations for their new dentures,1 and the transition from natural teeth can be traumatic.2
The personal impact of dentures
The transition to dentures can be traumatic
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Immediate dentures play an important role:
- Aesthetic, psychological and functional reasons
- Bandage and protect extraction wounds2
- Prevent bleeding2
But the transition can be challenging for patients:
- Changes in denture fit and comfort2
- Poor retention1
Key challenges facing the new denture patient:
- Discomfort
- The psychological impact of tooth loss, which increases in impact with the number of teeth lost
- Accepting that removable dentures do not provide the same functional benefit as natural teeth
- Reduction in quality of life: avoiding particular foods, difficulty relaxing, avoidance of social situations
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Excessive functional forces on natural teeth may cause further mobility and tooth loss.11,12
Up to 30% of natural teeth abutting dentures demonstrated increased mobility.*9
- Retentive clasps may be unsuitable or lose retention over time13
- Retention may become more dependent upon the mucosa and muscular control13
*In a longitudinal study
Patients brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste should remove the partial denture first.
Poligrip – Helping your patients on their journey to optimal denture care
Causes and mechanisms
Find out more about the factors that can limit denture performance and compromise hygiene.
