New Research from HKU: Denture Adhesives May Improve Chewing Function of Removable Partial Dentures, with Metal-Based Dentures Showing More Significant Benefits

Image source: "Objective Assessment of Chewing Function in Removable Partial Denture Wearers Using Denture Adhesive"

DentalGoodNews | A recent clinical study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry by the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong suggests that denture adhesive (DA) may effectively improve the retention and chewing function of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in elderly patients with extensive tooth loss. The satisfaction rate for retention increased from a baseline of 46.2% to 98.4%, and the stability rate rose from 27.8% to 90.2%.

The study was led by a research team from the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong. Between March 2021 and July 2022, the team recruited 105 elderly patients with extensive tooth loss from a dental hospital, ultimately including 83 who completed the full assessment.

The study defined "extensive RPD" as a denture replacing all premolars and molars on one or both arches, or a denture worn in an arch with six or fewer remaining natural teeth. Participants used a cream-type DA daily and were assessed for maximum occlusal force (MOF) and masticatory performance (MP) at baseline, after 1 week, and after 12 weeks of use.

After 1 week of DA use, significant improvements were observed in both maximum occlusal force and masticatory performance (P<.001), but no further enhancement was noted at the 12-week follow-up. Heatmap analysis from the study indicated that over half of the participants showed improved masticatory performance, with more pronounced improvements in those with poorer baseline chewing function. However, approximately one-quarter of participants who performed well at baseline experienced a decline in masticatory performance after using DA. Subgroup analysis revealed that wearers of metal-based RPDs and patients using both upper and lower dentures benefited more significantly. Denture integrity (p=0.037), material type (p=0.003), and satisfaction (p=0.032) were all associated with changes in masticatory performance.

It is important to note that this study was a single-arm clinical trial lacking a control group. Approximately one-fifth of the participants had dentures with integrity issues, differing from other studies that typically only include dentures without significant problems. The generalizability of the conclusions requires further validation through multicenter randomized controlled trials. The researchers stated that the effects of DA on wearers of well-fitting extensive RPDs and single-denture wearers warrant further in-depth investigation.