Changes in temporomandibular disorders after treatment with new complete dentures

Abstract

A total of 250 edentulous patients (118 non-denture and 132 denture wearing) awaiting treatment for new complete dentures were examined for signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. Signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were evaluated before prosthetic treatment, 3 months and 3 years after denture insertion by means Helkimo's Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction indices. Before treatment began, patients were observed to have a low prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD. This prevalence decreased, but was not statistically significant, in the 3 months and 3 years after denture insertion. No statistically significant correlations were found between signs and symptoms of TMD and denture retention, stability, occlusal errors, freeway space, age of present denture, or number of sets of dentures.