Simplified versus comprehensive fabrication of complete dentures: Patient ratings of denture satisfaction from a randomized crossover trial

Objective: To determine if patient ratings of their ability to chew are dependent on the method of complete denture fabrication. Method and Materials: Twenty edentulous patients participated in a randomized within-subject crossover trial. Each participant received 2 sets of new complete dentures. One pair (Gerber prosthesis) was manufactured based on tracings (to determine centric relation) and facebow transfer; semianatomic teeth with a lingualized and balanced occlusal pattern were used. The other set of complete dentures was made using a simplified procedure without facebow transfer; jaw relations were recorded with wax occlusion rims, and anatomic teeth were set with a canine and premolar guidance (Gysi prosthesis). The 2 dentures were delivered in randomized order, and each was worn for 3 months. Three months after insertion, patients' ratings of each new prosthesis were obtained on visual analog scales for general satisfaction, comfort, ability to speak, stability, esthetics, ease of cleaning, and ability to chew. Results: Patients rated their general satisfaction, stability, and esthetic appearance significantly better for the Gysi prostheses (P .05). No significant differences between the 2 denture treatment methods were detected for ability to speak, comfort, chewing ability, and the ease of cleaning the dentures. Conclusion: A comprehensive method for the fabrication of complete dentures using lingualized teeth does not appear to positively influence patient ratings of denture satisfaction when compared to a simple procedure with anatomic teeth. Keywords: complete denture, controlled clinical trial, facebow, lingualized occlusion, patient satisfaction, randomized controlled trial