Effect of a Denture Adhesive on the Satisfaction and Kinesiographic Parameters of Complete Denture Wearers: A Cross-Over Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a denture adhesive (DA) on patient satisfaction and kinesiographic parameters of complete denture wearers by a cross-over study. Fifty edentulous patients received a set of new complete dentures. After an adaptation period, the participants were enrolled in the trial and randomized to receive a sequence of treatment protocols: Protocol 1- DA use during the first 15 days, followed by no DA for the next 15 days; Protocol 2- no DA during the first 15 days, followed by use of DA for the next 15 days. Outcomes were assessed after 15 days of each sequence of treatment. A questionnaire was used to assess the patients´ satisfaction. A kinesiograph was used to record mandible movements and patterns of maxillary complete denture movement during chewing. The Wilcoxon test (α=0.05) and a paired sample t-test (α=0.05) were used to compare satisfaction levels and kinesiographic data, respectively. Use of DA improved the overall level of patient satisfaction (p<0.001). The kinesiographic recordings revealed a significant increase (1.7 mm) in vertical mandible movements (p<0.001) during chewing and a lower (0.3 mm) vertical intrusion of the maxillary complete dentures (p=0.002) during chewing after using the DA. Use of DA in complete denture wearers improved the patients´ satisfaction and altered mandible movements, with increases in vertical movements during chewing and less intrusion of maxillary complete dentures.