Denture Impact on Quality of Life
New denture wearers can face a difficult transition1–4
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
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Impact on relationships
63% of patients with full dentures have biofilm and calculus on their dentures6
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Trapped food
Trapped food
Entrapped food particles can cause pain and irritation.5 Trapped food is the #1 denture wearer complaint with 86% of denture wearers experiencing discomfort from trapped food.4
The Transition to Dentures Can be Traumatic
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The trauma of tooth extraction
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction can be traumatic for patients and often results in accelerated bone resorption.2
32% experienced reduction in horizontal bone dimension within 3 months after extraction.7
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Discomfort of immediate dentures
Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures play an important role:2
- Aesthetic, psychological and functional reasons
- Bandage and protect extraction wounds
- Helps prevent bleeding
But the transition can be challenging for patients:2
- Changes in denture fit and comfort
- Poor retention
Key challenges facing the new denture patient:2
- 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 situations8
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Further mobility and tooth loss associated with partial dentures can affect quality of life9,10
In a 2015 study, the majority of patients with partial dentures reported tooth loss as the most common condition suffered; impacting their overall quality of life.11
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Impact of excessive functional forces
Excessive functional forces on natural teeth may cause further mobility and tooth loss.9,12-14
Up to 30% of natural teeth abutting dentures demonstrated increased mobility.*12
- Retentive clasps may be unsuitable or lose retention over time13
- Retention may become more dependent upon the mucosa and muscular control13
Patients brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste should remove the partial denture first.
Help Your Patients on Their Journey to Optimal Denture Care
Oral Health Management
Explore an overview of diagnosing issues with denture performance.
Causes and Mechanisms
Find out more about the factors that can limit denture performance and compromise hygiene.
Dental Appliance Care Range
Find out how Polident and Poligrip can help your patients.
