Objectives: In a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, the impact of face-bow registration for remounting complete dentures (CDs) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated.
Materials and methods: New CDs of 32 subjects were clinically remounted using intraoral pin registration. CDs were transferred into a semi-adjustable articulator corresponding to group #1: mean settings with Bonwill triangle and Balkwill angle, and group #2: arbitrary hinge axis with a face-bow registration. After occlusal adjustment, subjects were followed up after 3 (T1) and 84 (T2) days. The primary outcome was the change of OHRQoL by OHIP-G49, while as secondary outcome, mucosal alterations were evaluated over time. Mean values of OHIP-G49 total sum scores and OHIP-dimensions were calculated for baseline (T0) and days 3 (T1) and 84 (T2) after intervention. Based on bootstrapping methods (changes of total OHIP sum score) and the Wilcoxon test (changes of sum scores of OHIP dimensions), analyses of between-group differences were performed.
Results: Mean values (MV) of OHIP-G49 sum scores decreased in both groups from T0 (#1 48.56; #2 45.46) to T1 (#1 31.43 (p = 0.012); #2 43.20) and to T2 (#1 29.06; #2 29.40), which represents an improvement in OHRQoL. MV of OHIP-dimension sum scores decreased from T0 to T1 in both groups (#1 seven dimensions; #2 four dimensions); the decrease of sum scores was tested as not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: From the patient's perspective, mean-value-based remounting methods are of value. The use of a face-bow was not perceived as superior.
Clinical relevance: From the patient's perspective, remounting of CDs will be positively perceived, irrespective of the use of a face-bow.
Keywords: Complete dentures; Face-bow; Occlusal adjustment; Oral health related quality of life; Randomized controlled trial; Removable denture.