Complete denture success for patients and dentists.

The huge prevalence of tooth decay and the gradual ageing of populations in the developed world have combined to produce a steady increase in the need for complete denture treatment. To achieve successful treatment, it is vital to consider a number of issues throughout the denture process. Before treatment even begins, the patient's motivation for denture treatment and emotional attitude towards dentures must be evaluated. Patients will thereby gain realistic expectations of what can and cannot be achieved, and dentists will understand what the patient really wants. Afterwards, the dentist must work with the patient to help achieve success in difficult areas such as neuromuscular control, mastication and speech. By learning to handle patient complaints positively, dentists can educate patients to solve their own problems in future. Finally, patients must be informed that continued success depends on regular denture maintenance at home combined with periodic consultation with the dentist.