Evaluation of Patients with Single Dentures Syndrome using Conventional Mandibular Partial Dentures Versus Implant-Supported Partial Overdentures: A Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Patients' Satisfaction.

PURPOSE: The clinical condition known as single denture syndrome (SDS), or combination syndrome, or Kelly's Syndrome, is still not well understood and is not widely recognized in the literature or in dental practice. It occurs when a patient has a fully edentulous maxilla and a partially edentulous mandible; it commonly affects individuals who wear a complete maxillary denture, paired with a lower removable partial denture (RPD), which is supported by their remaining front teeth. Then, significant morphological and functional changes in the oral cavity can result from the progressive loss of teeth and the subsequent resorption of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges associated with SDS. These changes ultimately affect the patient's overall oral health and quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction after prosthodontic rehabilitation of cases with single denture syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of patients were randomly assigned. Group I received a conventional lower removable partial denture and an upper conventional complete denture, and Group II received a lower removable partial overdenture supported and retained by two implants with locator attachments, along with an upper conventional complete denture. The study evaluated patient satisfaction with implant-assisted partial dentures using a 100-mm VAS at baseline and three months (measurable improvements in comfort, function, and overall satisfaction). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA, paired t-tests, and Pearson correlations, were used to assess changes over time.

RESULTS: Eighteen patients exhibiting signs of single denture syndrome (completely edentulous upper ridge and lower Kennedy Class I) were included in this study. Satisfaction scores showed that for 'speech', 'chewing', 'handling', and 'overall satisfaction', group I experienced a significant improvement after 3 months (p<0.05). In group II, there was a significant increase in value only in 'speech' and 'handling' parameters (p<0.05); in contrast, the changes in other parameters were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SDS who wore lower implant-retained removable partial overdentures were more satisfied than those with lower conventional removable partial dentures.