Dr. Mohammadullah
Abstract
Background: Flexible dentures offer potential advantages over conventional acrylic dentures, particularly in terms of comfort, aesthetics and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare the clinical performance, patient-reported outcomes and longevity of flexible and conventional acrylic dentures. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and beau-dent, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over one year from July 2015 to June 2016. A total of 60 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (flexible dentures, n=30) and Group B (conventional acrylic dentures, n=30). Various clinical parameters such as retention, stability, soft tissue irritation and chewing efficiency were assessed. Results: Group A showed significantly better outcomes in comfort (VAS: 9.0 ± 1.1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.001), aesthetic satisfaction (93.3% vs. 76.7%, p = 0.015) and ease of use (86.7% vs. 70.0%, p = 0.032). Additionally, soft tissue irritation was significantly lower in Group A (10.0% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.042) and chewing efficiency was higher (VAS: 8.5 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4, p = 0.047). Group A had fewer fractures/repairs (6.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.038), though staining incidence was similar between both groups. Conclusion: Flexible dentures provide superior comfort, aesthetics and reduced soft tissue irritation compared to conventional acrylic dentures. These advantages make them a preferred choice for patients with high aesthetic and comfort demands, while both denture types showed similar retention and stability.