Impact of Prosthetic Characteristics and Life Stress on Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Anterior Fixed Dental Prosthesis Treatment

Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore potential factors influencing oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a Chinese population treated with anterior dentition fixed dental prosthesis (FDP).

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, between December 2012 and May 2013.

Methodology: According to the patient records in the dental hospitals, 1918 patients were initially selected and invited for a follow-up examination. After the selection, 987 participants were finally included and asked to complete a questionnaire which included three forms: Basic information, the Chinese version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14 items (OHIP-14) and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). After data collection, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and spearman rank correlation were used to assess each variable’s independent impact on OHRQoL, while multifactor impact was evaluated by stepwise linear regression.

Results: 987 responses were acquired. Higher age caused a higher OHIP-14 score. For prosthesis material, all ceramic presented the lowest OHIP-14 score. For prosthesis type, veneer presented the lowest OHIP-14 score. Either prosthesis service time or SRRS score was positively correlated to OHIP-14 score. In stepwise linear regression, prosthesis material/service time/type and life stress were finally defined as OHRQoL predictors.

Conclusion: Three prosthetic characteristics (prosthesis material/service time/type) and life stress are responsible for OHRQoL level of patients treated with anterior FDP.