Within-subject comparisons of maxillary fixed and removable prostheses. Patient satisfaction and choice of prosthesis

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

In patients who had experienced both types of prosthesis, the majority preferred the removable appliance.

Main

Heydecke G, Boudrias P et al. Clin Oral Impl Res 2003; 14: 125–130

This cross-over trial compared fixed and removable (long palatal bar) maxillary implant-supported complete prostheses in 13 French-speaking Canadian subjects (after 3 dropped out) who already had satisfactory mandibular implant-supported complete overdentures.

Each maxillary prosthesis was supported by 4–6 implants in a 2 stage procedure. Five subjects wore the removable prosthesis first. Each prosthesis in turn was worn for 2 months, and subjects compared both at the final visit, when they answered questionnaires and chose a prosthesis: 9 preferred the removable appliance.

Subjects considered overall satisfaction, satisfaction compared with natural teeth, speaking ability and cleaning ease significantly better with the overdenture. There were no differences in comfort, stability, aesthetics and occlusion. There was a significant treatment period effect which the researchers took into account.