title: Rehabilitation with implant-retained removable dentures and its effects on perioral aesthetics: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The onset of perioral wrinkles often prompts patients to request treatment. This aesthetic deterioration linked to aging may be associated with tooth and alveolar bone loss in fully edentulous patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate perioral wrinkles before and after maxillary and mandibular rehabilitation with implant-retained dentures in fully edentulous patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective cohort, single-center, blinded study, patients requiring maxillary and mandibular rehabilitation with implant-retained dentures were enrolled. The patients were photographed in the same position before and after oral rehabilitation. Wrinkles were evaluated in the photographs by blinded observers using validated rating scales. The following parameters were analyzed: upper and lower radial lip lines, marionette lines, upper and lower lip fullness, nasolabial folds, corner of the mouth lines, and the labiomental crease. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired data, withP<0.05 considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Upper and lower implant-retained dentures were applied in 31 patients (15 males; mean ± standard deviation age 62.13±8.69 years, range 47-77 years). The oral rehabilitation procedures significantly improved (P<0.05) the upper and lower radial lip lines, marionette lines, upper and lower lip fullness, the nasolabial folds, and the corner of the mouth lines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maxillary and mandibular rehabilitation with implant-retained dentures in fully edentulous patients improves perioral aesthetics. Patients requiring oral rehabilitation and desiring perioral aesthetic improvement could benefit from treatment with this type of prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Saturnino Marco
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lupi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cislaghi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rizzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Ruggero
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rodriguez Y Baena
keywords: aesthetic medicine; implant-retained denture; overdenture; perioral wrinkles