Cost-effectiveness of Mandibular Two-implant Overdentures and Conventional Dentures in the Edentulous Elderly

• Published in: Journal of dental research 2005-09, Vol.84 (9), p.794-799
• Main Authors: Heydecke, G., Penrod, J.R., Takanashi, Y., Lund, J.P., Feine, J.S., Thomason, J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Canada; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dental Implantation, Endosseous - economics; Dental Implantation, Endosseous - psychology; Dental Implants - economics; Dental Implants - psychology; Dentistry; Denture, Complete, Lower - economics; Denture, Complete, Lower - psychology; Denture, Overlay - economics; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Jaw, Edentulous - economics; Jaw, Edentulous - psychology; Jaw, Edentulous - rehabilitation; Male; Mandible; Quality of Life; Sickness Impact Profile
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/154405910508400903

Implementation of new therapies is usually governed by financial considerations, so efficacy studies should also include cost comparisons. The cost and effectiveness of mandibular conventional dentures (CD, n = 30) and two-implant overdentures (IOD, n = 30) were compared in elderly subjects. Effectiveness (Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP-20) and cost were measured up to one year post-treatment. Data for subsequent years were estimated by the Delphi method. Using an average life expectancy of 17.9 years, the equalized annual costs (in Canadian dollars) were $399 for CD and $625 for IOD (p < 0.001), and the equalized annual values for the outcome (OHIP-20) were 47.0 for CD and 31.3 for IOD treatment (p < 0.05). These values translate into a yearly additional cost for IOD treatment of $14.41 per OHIP-20 point. These results are key to the implementation of programs to provide this form of therapy for edentulous adults.