Int J Prosthodont. 2026 Jan 20;0(0):1-23. doi: 10.11607/ijp.9656. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the influence of self-image and self-esteem on overall quality of life and oral health in edentulous individuals before and after rehabilitation with new complete dentures.
METHODS: An observational clinical study was conducted with 26 edentulous adults. Participants completed validated questionnaires (GOHAI, DIDL, RSES, SHS, BASS, MBSRQ-AS, ST, FOE) before treatment and 2-3 weeks after denture delivery. Pre- and post-treatment differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and relationships among domains were examined using Spearman’s correlation (α = 0.05).
RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in oral health perception and several psychosocial domains, including GOHAI (26.0 → 28.5; p = 0.015), self-esteem on the RSES (-0.25 → 1.0; p < 0.001), smile frequency on the ST (11.0 → 11.5; p = 0.006), and appearance-related dimensions of the DIDL (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with dental and facial-related body areas also increased, as reflected by improvements in BASS-General (37.5 → 31.0; p = 0.008), Teeth (3 → 1; p < 0.001), Mouth (2 → 1; p = 0.006), and Profile (2 → 1; p = 0.001). Spearman’s analyses revealed statistically significant correlations among functional, esthetic, and psychosocial domains, of weak to moderate strength. No significant changes were detected for SHS, FOE, or the MBSRQ-AS subscales (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation with dentures resulted in meaningful short-term improvements in oral-health perception, self-esteem, and esthetic self-perception. Weak to moderate correlations among functional, esthetic, and psychosocial domains indicate interconnected early changes, while broader emotional constructs showed no significant variation.
PMID:41557268 | DOI:10.11607/ijp.9656
