A comparative evaluation of border molding using two different materials in mandibular edentulous arches- an in-vivo study

Brief Background The purpose was to compare and evaluate border moulding using two different materials on mandibular edentulous arches. Materials and Methods This clinical study was performed on 15 healthy edentulous subjects who reported to the department of Prosthodontics. All the subjects were first given complete dentures, fabricated with low fusing compound as the border moulding material, followed by complete dentures with putty as the border moulding material. Retention was measured at 3 stages: Border moulding; Complete denture insertion; 6 weeks follow up. Patient’s satisfaction was measured with a 10 point visual analogue scale for both the dentures pre treatment and at the follow up visit. Results Putty border moulding showed higher retention as compared to low fusing compound border moulding with significant difference at all stages- stage 1 (p=0.011), stage 2 (p=0.009) and stage 3 (p=0.0054). The time taken for border moulding was significantly lower in Group 2 than Group 1(P=1.6E-48). According to VAS scores, in terms of aesthetic and comfort parameters, patients were satisfied in both groups without any significant difference, however, retention in Group 2 was higher as compared to group 1(P=0.05) Summary and Conclusions There was a statistically significant difference in the retention, between the groups. Group 2( Putty) had higher retention compared to Group 1(low fusing compound).Time taken for border moulding was significantly lower for Group 2( putty). No significant difference in patient’s satisfaction was observed for aesthetic and comfort parameters. In functional parameter, retention was better in Group 2(putty) subjects. Key Words: Low fusing compound, PVS (putty), border molding, mandibular edentulous arch.