Prolonged use of old dentures: a qualitative study with Brazilian older adults

Objectives: This study explored older adults’ perceptions, motivations, and meanings of using and not replacing old and worn complete dentures over prolonged periods.

Methods: In-depth interviews using a semi-structured guide were carried out with Brazilian edentulous subjects wearing unsatisfactory same complete dentures which were worn for at least 20 years. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants from a waiting list of the local regulatory public health system among patients requiring replacement of old complete dentures. Interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data was analyzed using content analysis techniques.

Results: Sixty-two subjects were assessed and 9 were included, aged from 61 to 77 years (mean=65.4), 7 (77.8%) women. The reported time using the current denture ranged from 22 to 45 years (mean=27.9). Content analysis revealed three main themes: the perception of the dentures' condition after prolonged use, reasons for the prolonged use and non-replacement, and unsuccessful attempts to replace the dentures. Overall, participants acknowledged the inadequacy of their dentures and recognized the need for replacement. Several factors prompted them to delay or temporarily forego replacement, with financial constraints being the main barrier. Some participants reported failed attempts to replace the dentures in the past years or months. However, challenging adaptation to the new dentures lead to ultimately choosing to revert back to their old dentures as a fallback solution.

Conclusion: Individuals who have been using old dentures for a prolonged period acknowledge their dissatisfaction with the current dentures and need for replacement due to functional and aesthetic problems. Financial constraints and previous negative experiences were the main reasons for delaying or temporarily postponing denture replacement.