Influence of the occlusal concept of complete dentures on patient satisfaction in the initial phase after fitting: bilateral balanced occlusion vs canine guidance

This clinical single-blind study aimed to evaluate the influence of 2 occlusal concepts (OCs) on patient satisfaction in the initial phase after fitting new complete dentures (CDs). Thirty-eight edentulous patients received 1 new maxillary CD and 2 almost identical mandibular CDs, which differed only in their OC (bilateral balanced occlusion vs canine guidance). After 2 weeks, the patients' satisfaction was evaluated and the OC was changed. Two weeks later, the patients' satisfaction was reevaluated. After 2 and 4 weeks, 63% and 47% of the patients preferred bilateral balanced occlusion and 5% and 11% preferred canine guidance, respectively. Thus, a bilateral balanced occlusion primarily facilitates the adaptation of a new CD.