Predicting successful outcomes of complete denture therapy

Ovid databases searched for relevant material for the review. Studies were limited to the English language and all identified articles were included. A narrative review was conducted. Three RCT were identified that related directly to conventional dentures. Nineteen clinical experimental studies and seven nonexperimental clinical studies were therefore also included because of the lack of higher ranking studies in this area. All studies that were identified have been included within this review. There remains a paucity of research in this area. From the best available data, construction of technically correct dentures, a well-formed mandibular ridge and accuracy of jaw relations are positive indicators for success. Patient neuroticism and a poorly formed mandibular ridge are negative indicators for success. Other prognostic indicators have not been shown to be of significant value. There exists a minority of patients who will never adapt to any conventional complete denture. This problem is more acute in the mandible than the maxilla. There is need for further research in this area.