The purpose of this study was to examine the condition and functional
properties, as well as adjustment and replacement needs, of 288 complete
dentures worn by 144 inhabitants of Helsinki over 75 years old. Five
different criteria to evaluate the need for replacement were used: (I)
criteria based on Oral Health Surveys-Basic Methods (WHO, 1987); (II)
criteria based only on the clinical data collected during the
examination; (III) criteria based only on examiners' subjective opinion
of the condition of the dentures; (IV) criteria based on clinical data
as well as examiners' experience and consultation with the patient; (V)
criteria based only on patients' subjective opinion. Depending on the
evaluation method used, 10-84% of the dentures were judged to be in need
of replacement. Strict objective evaluation methods produced the
highest figures for replacement need, and method (I, WHO, 1987) the
lowest. The most justifiable replacement percentage (26%) was achieved
when the dentist assessed treatment need together with the patient. This
study documents the multiple subjective and objective difficulties
related to the wearing of complete dentures. The study also highlights
the well-recognized importance of regular annual reexaminations for
those wearing complete dentures and the assessment of need for
adjustment of the dentures. It also demonstrates that successful
treatment decisions cannot be made solely on the basis of clinical
examination or a dentist's subjective opinion, but should be formulated
in close consultation with the patient