Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare patient satisfaction and prosthetic maintenance of fixed detachable prosthesis and conventional complete dentures.
Materials and method: Eight completely edentulous patients received complete dentures for six months (Group I), then fixed detachable prostheses on four implants for the following six months (GroupII). For both designs, patient satisfaction using visual analogue scale (VAS) and prosthetic maintenance were evaluated.
Results: Results of patient satisfaction parameters for group II were significantly higher than group I for retention, mastication and metallic taste. For aesthetics and hygiene, group|I showed better results than group II. However the difference was insignificant. Regarding prosthetic maintenance, the overall maintenance and service required for group I was greater than group II. Regarding base fracture, relining and occlusal adjustment, more service was needed for group I than group II. Hyperplasia under metal framework and around the abutment was more counted in group II. Excessive wear of the teeth was equally seen in both groups. However, in both groups, the other parameters required no maintenance.
Conclusion: All patients included in this study were satisfied by both designs. However, more satisfaction was recorded by VAS for comfort, speech, retention and mastication in patients wearing fixed detachable prostheses. Regarding prosthetic maintenance, slightly more maintenance was required for conventional complete dentures.