title: Complete removable prostheses: from expectation to (dis)satisfaction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this survey was to increase our knowledge on the experience and feelings of edentulous people, 6 months after having acquired and worn a pair of complete removable prostheses.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The incorporation of conventional, complete removable prostheses may be an appropriate treatment which can result in an improvement in the quality of life of people who have lost their teeth.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 12 patients of the sample were interviewed individually according to a semi-structured questionnaire so as to create an atmosphere for open conversation regarding the subject matter. For each participant, photographs, before dental treatment and after the use of the prostheses, were taken. The images of the prostheses were reviewed and impressions were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysis of participant's statements allowed one to verify if the complete removable prostheses improved the quality of life; however, difficulties encountered could lead users to abandon their prostheses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appropriate investment on the part of health professionals, together with the clarification of information and the monitoring of patients, may well minimise these difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. elisa@ufmg.br
authors.forename: Maria Elisa
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: de Souza e Silva
authors.forename: Cláudia Silami
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: de Magalhães
authors.forename: Efigênia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ferreira e Ferreira
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001938:Brazil; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003781:Denture Retention; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D023861:Photography, Dental; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires