Comparison of the impact of removable partial dentures on the oral health-related quality of life of older adults

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effect of metal base removable partial dentures (MRPDs) and acrylic base removable partial dentures (ARPDs) on oral health-related quality of life. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted on 40 patients. Twenty received ARPDs (nine in the maxilla and eleven in the mandible), and twenty received MRPDs (nine in the maxilla and eleven in the mandible). The patients were 45–65 years old. The impact of RPDs on the patient's quality of life was analysed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-ALB14) questionnaire. The differences in OHIP-14 between the two dentures at three different time points were estimated. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 22 (IBM), and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings The OHIP-ALB14 score for both denture types was high at T1 and then remarkably decreased at T2 (p<0.05) and T3 (p<0.05), with no significant differences between MRPDs and ARPDs users. For ARPD users, the satisfaction level significantly increased (<0.001) after one year for the dimensions of Physical Pain, Functional limitation, and Psychological Discomfort. Whereas, for MRPD users, satisfaction level significantly increased (<0.001) in the dimensions of Functional limitation, Psychological Discomfort, and Psychological Disability after a year of denture use. Research limitations/implications The findings from this study can be taken as the first step towards future research with a longer post-operative follow-up that can analyse the differences between dentures if any. Practical implications The comparative analysis between ARPD and MRPD and their impact on the oral soft tissues will help prosthodontists reach accurate treatment decisions. Originality/value This study has not been conducted in the region of Kosovo before. Moreover, the engineers manufacturing dental prostheses will know about the effect of their product on oral health.