Different types of antagonists modify the outcome of complete denture renewal.

PURPOSE: The effect of renewing removable dentures on masticatory function was evaluated according to the occlusion offered by different types of mandibular arches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with complete maxillary dentures were subdivided into three groups in terms of mandibular dentition type: dentate, partial denture, and complete denture. The participants were observed before and 8 weeks after maxillary denture renewal. The mandibular denture was also renewed in the partial and complete denture groups. The participants masticated carrots, peanuts, and three model foods of different hardnesses. The particle size distribution of the boluses obtained from natural foods was characterized by the median particle size (d50) in relation to the masticatory normative indicator (MNI). Chewing time (CT), number of chewing cycles (CC), and chewing frequency (CF) were video recorded. A self-assessment questionnaire for oral health-related quality of life (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index [GOHAI]) was used. Statistical analyses were carried out with a mixed model. RESULTS: Renewal of the dentures decreased d50 (P < .001). The number of participants with d50 values above the MNI cutoff decreased from 12 to 2 after renewal. Renewal induced an increase in mean CF while chewing model foods (P < .001). With all foods, renewal tended to affect CT, CC, and CF differently among the three groups (statistically significant renewal Å~ group interactions). The GOHAI score increased significantly for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Denture renewal improves masticatory function. The complete denture group benefited least from renewal; the dentate group benefited most. This study confirmed the usefulness of denture renewal for improving functions and oral health- related quality of life.

5-year outcome of cross-arch prostheses supported by four immediately loaded zygomatic implants: A prospective case series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of maxillary prostheses supported by four immediately loaded zygomatic implants in the rehabilitation of edentulous patients with severe atrophic maxillae after 5 years of function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of a total of 17 consecutive patients with severe atrophy in the maxillae (Cawood and Howell classification C-VI and D-V or D-VI) and whom were rehabilitated using four immediately loaded zygomatic implants, three were lost during follow-up. Outcome measures were success rates of the prostheses, success rates of the zygomatic implants, complications and oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14 questionnaire). RESULTS: In 14 patients assessed at 5 years after operation, no prosthesis or zygomatic implants failed, although one implant placed in an unfavourable position was not used. Fifty percent of the patients had complications, which included penetration of the orbital cavity during the drilling procedure (1 patient), infection followed by a fistula at one zygomatic implant (1 patient), sinusitis (2 patients), fracture of the abutment screw (1 patient) and fracture of the prostheses (2 patients). All complications were resolved without clinical consequences. At 5 years the mean score of the OHIP-14 was 3.8, which is similar to that of the general population. CONCLUSION: Results at 5 years indicate that the use of four immediately loaded zygomatic implants is a reliable approach for successful rehabilitation of edentulous patients with severely atrophied maxillae.

Effect of an acrylic resin-based resilient liner applied to mandibular complete dentures on satisfaction ratings among edentulous patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an acrylic resin-based resilient liner (ARL) could improve the satisfaction ratings of complete denture wearers. The null hypothesis was that no difference exists between the satisfaction ratings of conventional acrylic resin denture (CARD) wearers and those of ARL denture (ARLD) wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2004 to July 2006, a randomized controlled trial was conducted at two centers, including 74 edentulous patients. Of these, 37 patients were each randomly allocated to the ARLD and CARD groups. All of the patients rated their satisfaction with dentures, including general satisfaction and satisfaction with chewing ability, speaking, cleaning, stability, retention, comfort, and esthetics. These satisfaction ratings were measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale. Perceived chewing ability of different foods, divided into five grades, was measured using a questionnaire. The mastication index (MI) was calculated for each grade. RESULTS: General satisfaction, satisfaction with chewing, and satisfaction with speaking were significantly higher in the ARLD than in the CARD group (P = .049, .025, and .049, respectively). The chewing satisfaction with maxillary dentures in the ARLD group was significantly higher than that of the CARD group (P = .02). No significant difference existed between the MI of the ARLD (69.2 ± 17.0) and CARD groups (66.7 ± 18.7). CONCLUSIONS: Within its limitations, this study showed that the ARL improves a complete denture wearer's satisfaction ratings.

An economic evaluation of maxillary implant overdentures based on six vs. four implants.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the value for money achieved by bar-retained implant overdentures based on six implants compared with four implants as treatment alternatives for the edentulous maxilla. METHODS: A Markov decision tree model was constructed and populated with parameter estimates for implant and denture failure as well as patient-centred health outcomes as available from recent literature. The decision scenario was modelled within a ten year time horizon and relied on cost reimbursement regulations of the German health care system. The cost-effectiveness threshold was identified above which the six-implant solution is preferable over the four-implant solution. Uncertainties regarding input parameters were incorporated via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis based on Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: Within a base case scenario of average treatment complexity, the cost-effectiveness threshold was identified to be 17,564 € per year of denture satisfaction gained above of which the alternative with six implants is preferable over treatment including four implants. Sensitivity analysis yielded that, depending on the specification of model input parameters such as patients' denture satisfaction, the respective cost-effectiveness threshold varies substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that bar-retained maxillary overdentures based on six implants provide better patient satisfaction than bar-retained overdentures based on four implants but are considerably more expensive. Final judgements about value for money require more comprehensive clinical evidence including patient-centred health outcomes.

Reliability and validity of a questionnaire for self-assessment of complete dentures.

BACKGROUND: Demand for complete denture treatment is expected to rise over several decades. However, to date, no questionnaire on complete dentures, as evaluated by edentulous patients, has been shown to be reliable and valid. This study sought to assess the reliability and validity of Patient's Denture Assessment (PDA), which provides a multidimensional evaluation of dentures among edentulous patients. METHODS: Patients, who had new complete dentures fabricated at the University Hospital of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University through 2009 to 2010, were enrolled. The reliability of the PDA was determined by examining internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Internal consistency for all of the question items and the six subscales was measured using Cronbach's α and average inter-item correlation coefficients among 93 participants. For 33 of these participants, test-retest reliability was determined at a 2 month-interval using the interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence interval for the summary scores and the six subscale scores. The PDA was validated in 93 participants by examining the difference in the summary score and the six subscale scores of the PDA before and after replacement with new dentures by the paired t-test. Ability to detect change was also tested in 93 patients using effect size. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α for the PDA ranged from 0.56 to 0.93. The average inter-item correlation coefficients ranged from 0.28 to 0.83. ICCs for the PDA ranged from 0.37 to 0.83. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between the summary score and the six subscale scores before and after replacement with new dentures (p < 0.05) and the effect size was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The PDA demonstrated good reliability by assessing internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In addition, the PDA demonstrated good validity by assessing discriminant validity. Thus, the PDA could help dentists obtain a detailed understanding of the patients' perceptions in using their dentures.

Speech intelligibility enhancement after maxillary denture treatment and its impact on quality of life.

PURPOSE: Tooth loss and its prosthetic rehabilitation significantly affect speech intelligibility. However, little is known about the influence of speech deficiencies on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate whether speech intelligibility enhancement through prosthetic rehabilitation significantly influences OHRQoL in patients wearing complete maxillary dentures. Speech intelligibility by means of an automatic speech recognition system (ASR) was prospectively evaluated and compared with subjectively assessed Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Speech was recorded in 28 edentulous patients 1 week prior to the fabrication of new complete maxillary dentures and 6 months thereafter. Speech intelligibility was computed based on the word accuracy (WA) by means of an ASR and compared with a matched control group. One week before and 6 months after rehabilitation, patients assessed themselves for OHRQoL. RESULTS: Speech intelligibility improved significantly after 6 months. Subjects reported a significantly higher OHRQoL after maxillary rehabilitation with complete dentures. No significant correlation was found between the OHIP sum score or its subscales to the WA. CONCLUSION: Speech intelligibility enhancement achieved through the fabrication of new complete maxillary dentures might not be in the forefront of the patients' perception of their quality of life. For the improvement of OHRQoL in patients wearing complete maxillary dentures, food intake and mastication as well as freedom from pain play a more prominent role.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients focusing on mandibular dentures in irradiated patients.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study assessed treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction of irradiated head and neck cancer patients treated with mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) or conventional dentures (CDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one irradiated head and neck cancer patients, out of a total of 158 patients included, completed the standardized questionnaire and underwent a clinical assessment. Nineteen patients were treated with removable CDs and 32 patients received IODs between January 2006 and January 2011. The mean follow-up of patients was 5.75 years (range: 1 to 23 years). RESULTS: A total of 45 (88.3%) mandibular dentures were in function at the time of assessment. The overall denture satisfaction was 7.3 (range: 1 to 10, SD: 2.14). Patients being treated with adjuvant concepts, including surgical tumor ablation, scored worse than patients after radiation therapy alone. Edentulous patients seem to benefit from implants, especially with respect to prosthesis retention. Men take more benefit from IODs compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: The results are comparable to other studies of head and neck cancer patients and also of healthy individuals. Surgical interventions in adjuvant therapy concepts lead to reduced denture satisfaction. The concept of prosthetic rehabilitation as part of oncologic treatment can be judged as successful.

The oral health-related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with conventional complete dentures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture. BACKGROUND: Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP-EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). METHODS: Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws. RESULT: The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP-EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11). CONCLUSION: Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.

Association between self-assessment of complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors related to patient self-assessment of dentures are associated with changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among edentulous patients after replacement of complete dentures, and to determine whether masticatory performance as determined using an objective method affects the changes in OHRQoL among edentulous patients. As a preliminary study, the existing questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures consisting of 39 question items, measured with a 100-mm visual analogue scale, was analysed by factor analysis. Then a questionnaire, composed of 22 question items, was developed containing six subscales of 'function', 'lower denture', 'upper denture', 'expectation', 'aesthetic and speech' and 'importance'. Final participants in the present study comprised 93 edentulous patients requiring new conventional complete dentures (44 men, 49 women; mean age, 75·0 years). These patients were asked to complete the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-EDENT, comprising 19 question items for assessment of OHRQoL in edentulous patients, along with the developed questionnaire regarding self-assessment of dentures. Moreover, masticatory performance was measured using a colour-changeable chewing gum. The questionnaire and measurement were completed twice; before and after replacement of complete dentures. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified 'lower denture' and 'aesthetic and speech' as significant independent variables besides OHIP-EDENT scores before replacement. These results suggest that sufficient retention of lower dentures and appropriate appearance may lead to improved OHRQoL in edentulous patients.

Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of wearing and fracture of complete dentures was evaluated among edentulous patients treated in two dental schools in Brazil. BACKGROUND: Acceptance and wearing of complete dentures are related to adaptive behaviour of edentulous patients. However, one reason that could interfere with the wearing dentures is their potential to fracture, which is still a common complication in denture rehabilitation practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-four edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures from 2000 to 2005 in Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, University of State of São Paulo, were assessed in 2006 and 2007 to answer a questionnaire about wearing and fracture of their dentures. Statistical analysis were performed using Epi Info software and chi-squared test to compare maxillary and mandibular data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Almost 26% of the patients did not wear their dentures, and among the remainder, the majority wore the maxillary denture. About 30% of the dentures were fractured, with higher prevalence in the maxillary arch (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of wearing dentures was quite high, especially considering the treatment which was carried out in university clinics. Prevalence of fractures was also high, greater for the maxillary denture, and was one of the main reasons for non-wearing of complete dentures.

Patient satisfaction with maxillary 3-implant overdentures using different attachment systems opposing mandibular 2-implant overdentures.

BACKGROUND: Patient-based outcomes with maxillary overdentures on a minimum number of implants, opposing mandibular 2-implant overdentures are not evident in the literature. PURPOSE: To evaluate patient's satisfaction with maxillary 3-implant overdentures, opposing mandibular 2-implant overdentures, using two different attachment systems over the first 2 years of service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants wearing mandibular 2-implant overdentures for 3 years were randomly allocated to one of two similar implant system groups to receive maxillary 3-implant overdentures. Twenty participants were allocated to splinted and unsplinted attachment system treatment groups for each system. Patient satisfaction with pre-treatment complete maxillary dentures, with maxillary 3-implant overdentures at baseline and annually for 2 years, was measured using visual analogue scale questionnaires and the oral health impact profiles. Palatal coverage of the maxillary overdentures was reduced at the first annual recall. RESULTS: Data showed significant improvement in pain reduction, comfort, stability, and function variables of the visual analogue scale after treatment. Analysis by prosthodontic design using visual analogue scale showed no significant difference. The total oral health impact profile-14 scores after treatment for all participants, regardless of prosthodontic design, were significantly lower (more satisfied). The overall oral health impact profile-20E score at baseline was significantly higher (more satisfied) compared with pre-treatment conventional maxillary dentures. No significant changes were observed in the first or second years compared with baseline results. Twenty-two participants (84.6%) preferred reduced palatal coverage, regardless of prosthodontic design, after 1 year. Twenty participants (76.9%) still preferred reduced palatal coverage at the end of the second year. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of maxillary 3-implant overdentures to oppose mandibular 2-implant overdentures significantly improve levels of patient satisfaction compared with conventional maxillary dentures.

Elderly complete denture wearers: a social approach to tooth loss.

OBJECTIVES: To correlate emotional reactions to tooth loss with denture satisfaction attributes in elderly complete denture wearers. BACKGROUND: Total tooth loss is a serious life event, and poor oral health has an impact on daily life. Edentulism treated by rehabilitation with dentures can have a positive effect on patients' self-image and social behaviour. METHODS: A group of 80 edentulous subjects undergoing routine prosthetic care in a Greek Department of Prosthetic Dentistry were interviewed using two structured questionnaires. The first questionnaire explored reactions to tooth loss, whereas the second measured their subjective experience of complete dentures. The responses to both questionnaires were compared using the statistical package SPSS v.17. RESULTS: The results showed significant correlation between aspects of tooth loss experience and complete denture satisfaction. Despite the fact that a substantial proportion of patients were satisfied with their complete dentures, some patients experienced increased social and psychological problems related to their edentulousness and the wearing of complete dentures. The aesthetic and functional aspects of complete dentures affected both patients' social behaviour and self-confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Total tooth loss was not only reflected in patient's social behaviour and self-image, but it had a complex and multifaceted impact on satisfaction from complete dentures.

Implant overdentures: dental students' performance in fabrication, denture quality, and patient satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental students' performance when fabricating a mandibular two-implant overdenture (OD) as compared to conventional dentures (CD) and to determine if these prostheses were successful. Twenty students and twenty patients were divided into two groups: complete denture group (CDG) and maxillary denture and two-implant OD group (ODG). Students' progress was evaluated at each appointment as they were given a clinical assessment score (CAS), which varied from 1 (unacceptable, needs to repeat procedure) to 4 (acceptable, no errors). The success of the prosthesis was evaluated by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) and an expert (a prosthodontist) using a denture quality assessment (DQA) form. Performance for both groups was not statistically different across all eight appointments (CDG 3.16 versus ODG 3.25; p=0.46). Patients with ODs reported greater stability with their dentures (p=0.048) and greater ability to chew than patients with CDs (p=0.03). There were no differences between the groups in terms of expert appraisal (ODG 71.1 versus CDG 67.5; p=0.59). The performance of dental students when fabricating a two-implant OD is thus not different from that of a CD. Students can successfully fabricate a two-implant OD as perceived by both patients and prosthodontists.

Patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life outcomes of implant overdentures and fixed complete dentures.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL) in patients treated with implant-supported overdentures and complete implant fixed prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a database of patients who had undergone implant treatment over a 6-year period, a study population of 62 patients was identified; every patient had at least four implants placed in one edentulous arch and was restored with either an overdenture or a fixed prosthesis. Patients were examined and a self-administered, structured multiple-response questionnaire, including the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 measurement tool and a patient satisfaction survey, was used to evaluate patient-centered treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Generally, patient satisfaction was very high in both the implant overdenture and fixed prosthesis groups, although the subjects in the overdenture group, who had mostly maxillary prostheses, reported significantly lower overall satisfaction and lower satisfaction with chewing capacity and esthetics. In just three categories--cost, satisfaction with treating doctor, and ability to perform oral hygiene measures--the fixed prosthesis group was less satisfied than the removable overdenture group, but the difference was not significant. Similarly, the overall OHQOL was high, although patients receiving a fixed prosthesis demonstrated significantly lower psychologic discomfort and psychological disability compared to the overdenture group. CONCLUSIONS: Among all patients who had similar numbers of implants placed, those who received an implant overdenture were less satisfied and had lower OHQOL than the patients who had a fixed prosthesis. Since patient and dentist preferences influenced the type of prosthesis provided, it is likely that subjective, patient-related factors are major determinants of satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

Maximum use of the anterior maxillary buttress in severe maxillary atrophy with tilted, palatally positioned implants: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate an alternative treatment for rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla with palatal and tilted implants and to assess patient satisfaction with the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case study was made of completely edentulous subjects with tilted, palatally positioned implants in the anterior maxillary buttress placed and loaded between January 2005 and January 2007. Patients with severely resorbed edentulous maxillae (Class V according to Cawood and Howell) who requested overdentures and were followed for 12 months after implant loading were included. Mesial and distal implant bone loss was measured on panoramic radiographs. Subjects indicated satisfaction with the new prosthesis after 12 months on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Twelve patients treated with tilted and palatal implants in the anterior maxillary buttress were included in the study; 48 implants were placed (4 implants in each patient) to support 12 overdentures with bars. One implant failed, resulting in a survival rate of 97.9%. The mean peri-implant bone loss of implants with palatal anchorage after 1 year of loading was 0.78 ± 0.5 mm. All patients had stable prostheses at the end of the observation period. Patients were satisfied with comfort and stability, ability to speak, ease of cleaning, esthetics, and function of the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Placement of implants slightly to the palatal and tilted in the anterior maxillary buttress to support an overdenture with bars may be a viable treatment alternative for the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla, providing a high level of satisfaction with the prosthesis and reducing patient morbidity and costs.

Sex differences in denture satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: Males and females differ in their responses to many health conditions and treatments. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether there are differences in the way that male and female edentulous elders rate their satisfaction with new mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) and conventional dentures (CDs), at 6 and 12 months following delivery. METHODS: Edentulous elders (n=256) were randomly assigned to receive maxillary conventional dentures and either mandibular overdentures supported by two implants with ball attachments or conventional dentures. Participants rated their general satisfaction, as well as other features of their dentures (comfort, stability, ability to chew, aesthetics, etc.) prior to treatment and 6 and 12 months after delivery. RESULTS: Ratings of satisfaction with IODs were significantly higher than with CDs. Six months after delivery, females in the CD group rated their general satisfaction and satisfaction with ability to chew and aesthetics significantly lower than did the males. The sex differences in the CD group remained at 12 months after delivery. However, males and females in the IOD group rated their general satisfaction and all six subcategories equally. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly females are less satisfied with conventional dentures than elderly males with regards to aesthetics and ability to chew, but equally satisfied with implant overdentures. At 6 and 12 months after delivery, elderly edentulous males and females wearing mandibular implant overdentures were significantly more satisfied than those wearing conventional dentures.

Level of satisfaction in patients with maxillary full-arch fixed prostheses: zygomatic versus conventional implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the satisfaction of patients with maxillary fixed prostheses supported by conventional and/or zygomatic implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients restored with complete maxillary implant-supported fixed prostheses were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: those with at least 1 zygomatic implant (the zygomatic group) and those with no zygomatic implants (the nonzygomatic group). Twelve months after prosthesis delivery, subjects indicated their satisfaction with the new prosthesis on a visual analog scale. Prostheses were rated in terms of general satisfaction, comfort and stability, ability to speak, easy of cleaning, esthetics, self-esteem, and functionality. RESULTS: Forty-six patients participated in the study (23 in each group). The mean level of satisfaction was high; the groups differed significantly only in satisfaction with esthetics. Patients in the zygomatic group had a higher average score for esthetics than those in the nonzygomatic group. Those who had previously worn conventional removable prostheses gave a higher score for functionality to the implant-supported fixed prosthesis compared to the removable prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with zygomatic implant-supported fixed prostheses was similar to that for fixed prostheses supported by conventional implants.

The influence of personality on patients' satisfaction with existing and new complete dentures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of patient personality on satisfaction with and use of complete dentures. METHODS: Patients attending a dental school for replacement of existing complete dentures completed a Personality Questionnaire and quality of existing complete dentures was assessed. After the first post-insertion visit quality of new dentures was assessed. Patients' satisfaction with the new dentures was elicited using a structured interview. Three months and 2 years after insertion of new dentures self completed denture satisfaction questionnaires were mailed to all participants. RESULTS: Three hundred and eight patients participated and 217 completed all stages of the study. Use of dentures was not associated with personality. In the old dentures patient rating of the three aspects of satisfaction with the mandibular denture, of appearance and general satisfaction were significantly associated with neuroticism. In the case of the new dentures at first review, no aspects of satisfaction rated by patients were significantly associated with personality. Significant negative associations between Neuroticism and all aspects of satisfaction with new dentures were found at 3 months. At 2 years after the dentures were placed significant negative associations between Neuroticism and all aspects of satisfaction with new dentures except rating of appearance and maxillary denture chewing ability were found. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotic patients were significantly less satisfied with complete dentures. Personality traits did not influence patients' use of dentures.

A comparison of patient's satisfaction between complete and partial removable denture wearers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction between complete denture (CD) and Kennedy Class I removable partial denture (RPD) wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 156 CD and 112 RPD wearers took a part in this study. From the primary group of the examined patients, only those whose RPDs and CDs were assessed as excellent or very good by the dentist, took a part in this study. Patients graded satisfaction of their dentures by using an analogue scale from 1 to 5 (1=unsatisfactory; 5=excellent). RESULTS: Both CD and RPD wearers were mostly satisfied with their dentures (the distribution of the scores of the patients' assessments was skewed towards the highest scores; more than half of the patients scored all the examined variables to the best score category). Complete Denture wearers were significantly more satisfied with chewing, speech and retention of maxillary denture than RPD wearers (P<0.05). Removable partial denture wearers were significantly more satisfied with the retention and the comfort of wearing mandibular denture (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between CD and RPD wearers for general satisfaction with their dentures, aesthetics and comfort of wearing maxillary denture (P>0.05; N.S.). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of CD and RPD wearers were satisfied with the dentures. CD wearers were more satisfied with speech, chewing and retention of maxillary denture, while RPD wearers were more satisfied with the retention and the comfort of wearing mandibular denture. Different groups of denture wearers have to make significant, but different adjustments to wear their dentures successfully.