PATIENTS COMPLAINTS AND SATISFACTION 5 YEARS AFTER COMPLETE DENTURE TREATMENT

Abstract This study is based on an evaluation of patients' opinions of their dentures by means of a questionnaire. The patients had been provided with complete dentures at a university clinic. Of the original sample (n= 139) a test group of 92 patients remained available for the actual study 5 yr after treatment. The replies in the questionnaire were subjected to statistical processing and interpretation. Six clusters could be defined and these were introduced as “scales” representing the patients' score on a specific type of complaint. Apart from the six scales a score was achieved for each patient's overall satisfaction. The correlations between the various scales were calculated with the aid of a computer program. Finally, cross‐tabulation was used to see if any significant (inter)correlations could be proved between complaints, satisfaction, and some of the patients' social data. It could be concluded that a correlation exists between complaints of pain and of functional aspects on the one hand and vague complaints on the other hand. There is also a correlation between complaints of looseness of the maxillary denture and complaints about aesthetic factors. Well‐fitting and well‐functioning dentures, absence of pain, and a socially acceptable appearance contribute much to the patients' satisfaction with dentures. Social variables such as type of insurance (public or private) and marital status influence denture appreciation to a certain extent. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved