A method for quantifying complete denture quality.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Reproducible and quantitative clinical evaluation of complete denture prostheses is of great importance for preoperative diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessment of quality of denture treatment. PURPOSE: This study attempted (1) to clarify the degree of contribution each clinical factor made to the general assessment of experienced prosthodontists to complete denture prostheses, and (2) to develop a method for quantitative assessment of complete denture quality. METHODS: Sixteen clinical factors with a three-grade scale were used to evaluate complete denture prostheses in 320 patients. The general assessment of the dentures was conducted with a 10-point scale. The contribution of each grade of the 16 factors to the general assessment level was determined by a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Seven factors were highly correlated to the general assessment. On the basis of these significant contributions, a complete denture scoring method was established followed by the calculation of the category scores of these factors and conversion of the total sum of each category score to an integer number between 0 and 100. The resultant quantification score was closely correlated with the general assessment of the denture. CONCLUSION: An evaluation protocol used for scoring of complete dentures was developed based on the scientifically analyzed knowledge of experienced prosthodontists.