A Survey of Dentulous and Edentulous Patient Preference among Different Denture Esthetic Concepts

• Published in: Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry 2012-04, Vol.24 (2), p.112-124
• Main Authors: STOCKHEIMER, COLE, WALISZEWSKI, MICHAEL P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chi-Square Distribution; Dentistry; Denture Design - psychology; Denture, Complete - psychology; Esthetics, Dental - psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth, Edentulous - psychology; Patient Preference; Photography, Dental; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1496-4155; 1708-8240
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8240.2011.00449.x

ABSTRACT Statement of Problem:  Most esthetic preference research and anatomical average analysis come from dentulous populations. If edentulous patients have a different preference, application of this data during denture construction is problematic. Purpose:  The aim of this survey was to compare dentulous and edentulous respondent preference among three different denture esthetic concepts. Material and Methods:  A questionnaire and test booklet of standardized full‐face digital photographs were used. It included three arrangements during maximum smile for six subjects. Dentulous and edentulous respondents were asked questions about their preference among the three randomly ordered concept photographs for each of the six subjects. A total of 167 dentulous and 269 edentulous questionnaires were analyzed descriptively and with Chi‐squared tests to compare the esthetic preference of the respondents. Results:  There was no statistically significant difference overall between dentulous and edentulous preference. Respondent preference varied significantly depending upon subject set and gender. Preference data compared closely to previous research. Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this survey, dentulous and edentulous respondent preference among the three esthetic concepts was not significantly different. Questionnaire respondents continued to frequently prefer appearances that are far from the anatomical average. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Dentulous and edentulous patients show a similar esthetic preference. Application of dentulous patient preferences and anatomical averages during edentulous patient treatment is appropriate. (J Esthet Restor Dent 24:112–125, 2012)