A comparative study of patients satisfaction with conventional and relined mandibular complete dentures

Abstract

Edentulous patients are usually satisfied with the service of a conventional maxillary denture but not the mandibular denture, particularly if the patients present with advanced atrophy of residual ridges, systemic diseases, chronic tissue soreness or maladaptive denture wearing experience. For such patients, the relining of hard heat cured mandibular dentures with long term resilient denture liners may be considered as a non-surgical alternative to pre-prosthetic procedures or implant supported prostheses. Purpose of The Study:The purpose of the study was to compare the satisfaction level of the patients provided with both conventional and relined mandibular dentures. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on fifteen edentulous patients. Each patient was provided with one maxillary and two mandibular complete dentures i.e. one conventional and another relined with long term silicone-based resilient liner (Molloplast-B). Patients' general satisfaction with the two mandibular dentures was evaluated using questionnaire. The data so collected was compared and analyzed statistically. Results: The overall analysis of the results obtained from the study suggested that the use of soft liners may promote a more satisfying life for edentulous patients. There was an improvement in patients' general satisfaction rating, ability to chew &speak, fit and comfort with relined mandibular dentures as compared to conventional acrylic resin mandibular dentures opposed by conventional maxillary dentures and the majority of patients had a preference for the relined mandibular dentures.