Optimized therapy for the edentulous predicament: cost-effectiveness considerations.

After proof of the clinical effectiveness of prosthodontic interventions, comparative economic analyses (cost-effectiveness, cost benefit, cost utility) should be undertaken to establish the relative value of each intervention in terms of its costs and consequences. Over time, these analyses must consider the balance between each intervention's initial and maintenance costs versus a broad array of clinician and patient-based multidimensional benefits or outcomes. The findings of current research will enhance increased economic analysis in prosthodontics, which, in turn, may help both dentists' and patients' decision-making. Even implant-supported prostheses that are clinically effective have yet to be proven societally effective because they are inaccessible economically to some who need them. Long-term, multidimensional comparative economic analyses of overdenture and conventional denture use may lead to the expansion of implant-supported dentures to selected patients who, to date, have not had access to this treatment modality.