Effects of short-term adaptation to new complete dentures on perception thresholds for interocclusal thickness in experienced and non-experienced denture wearers

BACKGROUND: The ability of patients to discriminate thickness can change with time after the insertion of new complete dentures, and this adaptation may differ according to the experiences of the patients. If so, an education program to reinforce the oral functions may be needed. This study was to evaluate patients' ability to discriminate thickness by comparing experienced and non-experienced denture wearers after the insertion of new complete dentures. METHODS: Forty edentulous patients with a skeletal Class I jaw relationship without any temporomandibular disturbances were in the study. After insertion of new complete dentures, all patients were tested for discrimination threshold for interocclusal thickness. The thickness perception test was repeated on days 1, 7, and 30 after the insertion of new dentures. The discriminatory ability was assessed with steel and aluminium foils placed between the upper and lower central incisor teeth. The records included the duration of wearing dentures. The data were subjected to statistical analysis of two-way ANOVA, multiple comparison test and Student's t test. RESULTS: Discrimination of tactile ability significantly increased over 30 days in experienced denture wearers as compared with non-experienced patients (P < 0.001). The difference in thickness perception threshold was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Adaptation and denture experience can affect thickness discrimination of complete denture wearers.