A comparitive clinical study of subjective and objective evaluation of dentures fabricated using different impression techniques

Background: Impression techniques for complete denture fabrication have evolved considerably over decades. However, it needs to be assessed whether the retention provided by different techniques is adequate enough to establish them as an alternative to conventional techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention of complete dentures fabricated using two different impression techniques like selective pressure and functional impression techniques both subjectively and objectively. Materials and methods: Maxillary dentures were fabricated for 10 edentulous patients using two different impression techniques. Each patient had two maxillary dentures and its retention was checked both subjectively and objectively. For subjective evaluation, a questionnaire was given and satisfaction level between the two dentures were compared. For objective evaluation, retention was measured using an instrument which uses the principle of class I pulley and a spring balance apparatus. During insertion, a metallic framework was attached at the centre of the denture using autopolymerising acrylic resin keeping it perpendicular to the occlusal plane of edentulous ridge. A small hook was engaged to the metal framework and weights were added on the spring balance. The weight at which both maxillary dentures dislodged was noted. The values were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The statistical analysis shows that the difference between modified functional impression and selective pressure is statistically significant (P< 0.05) in objective evaluation. But there was no significant difference in subjective evaluation of dentures. Conclusion: The two impression techniques yeilded adequately retentive dentures. However, retention of dentures fabricated from modified functional impression technique was better compared to selective pressure technique objectively.