Aim: The goal of this research was to facilitate dialogue and interaction among a group of dental practitioners about their views on denture adhesives, with the objective of reaching a collective consensus through the application of the Delphi Method.
Methods: This investigation employed the Delphi Technique, involving multiple rounds of questionnaires sent to a panel of experts. The objective was to establish a consensus (defined as over 70% agreement) or to explore the different viewpoints on the subject. A comprehensive Delphi questionnaire comprising 22 items was distributed to the Dental Practitioners. The questionnaire covered five key areas concerning denture adhesives: (1) overall perceptions; (2) the role in the development of clinical conditions; (3) specific applications and potential misuses; (4) their importance in denture services, including educating patients about denture adhesives; and (5) a general assessment of their clinical applications.
Results: All 31 panellists, chosen randomly, unanimously agreed to participate, with each of them actively involved in all three rounds of the survey. The panellists reached a consensus and definitively concluded that denture adhesives (1) are beneficial for enhancing the fit and comfort of the prosthesis and are not used to mask the underlying denture problems; (2) cause diseases such as denture stomatitis, candidiasis, and resorption of alveolar bone; (3) have the potential for increasing retention, function, and reducing patient anxiety. However, the panellists did not achieve a consensus on whether denture adhesives cause nausea and gagging in the patients; (4) education is very important for patients with both ill-fitting and well-fitting dentures; (5) are a beneficial adjunct to dentists when fabricating dentures.
Conclusion: The expert panel of distinguished dental practitioners determined that denture adhesives play a valuable supportive role in the field of denture prosthetics, serving important functions during both the creation and post-insertion stages of dentures.
Keywords: complete denture; delphi technique; denture adhesives; post insertion phase; prosthodontist.
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