The Social Solution—Denture Esthetics, Phonetics, and Function

Abstract

Tooth loss and rehabilitation with dentures can have tremendous patient impact and social implications. In an image-conscious society, dentures restore a sense of normalcy and allow the patient the ability to interact with others. The most frequent denture complaints include chewing discomfort and objectionable esthetics and phonetics. Determining patient expectations and their influence on patient satisfaction with treatment is critical. Current evidence on functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of treatment with conventional dentures versus implants are important factors to consider during treatment planning for the edentulous patient. The purpose of this article is to review some exemplar literature for the successful treatment of the edentulous patient.