In practice evaluation of a denture adhesive using a gnathometer.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured the extent to which the performance of a maxillary complete denture can be improved with the use of a denture adhesive. This in-practice evaluation assessed both a quantitative measure (force until dislodgement), without and with the adhesive, and patients' perception regarding the use of adhesive.


METHODS
A total of 194 patients (77 men, 117 women) who wore maxillary complete dentures were tested for denture performance both without and with denture adhesive. A simple gnathometer was used. Patient perceptions were also assessed by a questionnaire and analyzed for denture performance as well as the effects on speaking and chewing, fit and comfort, and perceived confidence.


RESULTS
There was a 63.4% improvement in bite force dislodgement with the use of a denture adhesive. A total of 79.2% of the patients perceived better denture performance (bite force dislodgement) with adhesive use. A total of 55.7% perceived an improvement in speaking and chewing. A total of 56.2% noticed the fit and comfort were better. A total of 63.9% responded that they had improved confidence.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a denture adhesive can improve the incisal (or protrusive) biting force for patients who wear a maxillary complete denture. Subjectively, the patients reported an improved perception of denture performance and that the use of adhesive provided greater confidence when using the prosthesis.
Psillakis
Jason J
JJ
Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics), School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. jpsillakis@yahoo.com
Wright
Robert F
RF
Grbic
John T
JT
Lamster
Ira B
IB
D000368:Aged; D001732:Bite Force; D003781:Denture Retention; D003827:Denture, Complete, Upper; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014014:Tissue Adhesives / Q000737:chemistry*
D014014:Tissue Adhesives