Evidence-based assessment of temporomandibular disorders in complete denture versus partial denture users: a systematic review.

Introduction: Dental health and overall well-being are greatly impacted by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which encompass a spectrum of illnesses that impact the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding structures. The use of dental prostheses, including complete and partial dentures, is common among individuals with missing teeth. However, the association between denture types and the prevalence of TMD remains a subject of interest and concern in the field of oral health.

Evidence acquisition: Relevant databases were comprehensively searched to identify eligible studies. The search strategy included terms related to Temporomandibular joint disorders and dentures. Studies reporting on the prevalence of TMD in denture wearers, categorized as complete or partial, were included. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed following established guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened articles, conducted data extraction and risk assessment. Meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Evidence synthesis: A total of three studies were included in the analysis. Two studies reported TMD to be prevalent in partial denture (PD) in higher proportions as compared to Complete Denture (CD) while another showed CD patients exhibiting greater TMD cases. The results remain inconclusive owing to the limited number of studies and evidence. The quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to low risk.

Conclusions: The current evidence regarding the association between denture type and TMD is inconclusive and limited. The heterogeneity of study designs and the lack of standardized assessment tools for TMD diagnosis and denture classification contribute to the variability in findings. This information can help prosthodontists and other dental practitioners improve the general health and oral hygiene of their patients who wear dental prosthesis.