Patients' satisfaction with conventional dentures and mini implant anchored overdentures.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to assess complete edentulous patient satisfactionwith two treatment alternatives--conventional dentures and mini implant anchored overdentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study sample comprised 36 patients--18 treated with newly made conventional prosthesis and 18 with mini implants anchored overdentures, with a ball attachment system (from IMTEC Corporation). RESULTS Patients treated with mini implant anchored overdenture presented a higher satisfaction regarding chewing ability (all of them reported satisfactory mastication, 50% accusing occasionally discontent) compared with the conventional denture group (28% reported impaired masticatory function and 39% occasionally discontent). Denture's retention was better in the mini implant overdenture sample (only 17% reported occasional problems, none of them feel the need to use denture adhesives), compared to the conventional treatment alternative (28% were dissatisfied about this issue). Both treatment alternatives were seen as being highly satisfactory regarding the aesthetic restoration of facial appearance and for performing phonation. Still, in the complete denture group 22% of patients claimed difficulties in articulating certain phonemes. The main reasons why patients refused implant treatment were its higher cost and fear of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with mini implant anchored overdentures were more satisfied than those treated conventionally, due to the increased retention and stability of dentures, mastication efficiency and improved comfort, these having probably a positive effect on the quality of life.