title: In practice evaluation of a denture adhesive using a gnathometer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics), School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. jpsillakis@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Jason J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Psillakis
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Grbic
authors.forename: Ira B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Lamster
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D014014:Tissue Adhesives