Oral aesthetic-related quality of life of muco-supported prosthesis and implant-retained overdenture wearers assessed by a new, short, specific scale (QoLDAS-9)

Objectives To validate a new questionnaire for evaluating the 'Oral aesthetic-related quality of life (OARQoL)' of prosthetically restored patients. 'OARQoL' assesses the impact of the self-perceived dental aesthetics on patients' well-being. Methods The 'Quality of Life associated with Dental Aesthetic Satisfaction (QoLDAS)' index was designed. After a pilot trial, 70 patients were distributed into two groups depending on their type of prosthetic rehabilitation: Group 1 (CD; n = 34): muco-supported complete dentures, and Group 2 (IO; n = 36): implant-retained overdentures. Patients answered the QoLDAS and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20sp) questionnaires, and reported their satisfaction on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Socio-demographic and prosthesis-related factors were registered. Psychometric properties of the QoLDAS were investigated. Correlations between both indices were explored using the Spearman's rank test. Descriptive and non-parametric probes were run to evaluate the effect of the study variables on the OARQoL (α = 0.05). Results The QoLDAS-9 was reliable and valid. The factor analysis confirmed the existence of three dimensions and meaningful inter-correlations among the nine finally included items. Both scales were inversely correlated. The self-reported aesthetic and functional satisfaction and the education level significantly modulated the OARQoL as measured with the QoLDAS-9. Conclusions The QoLDAS-9 confirmed its psychometric capacity for assessing the OARQoL of CD and IO wearers. Both groups showed comparably high OARQoL. Superior education degrees lead to lower OARQoL. Clinical significance The QoLDAS-9 may be recommended for anticipating the effect of prosthetic restorations on OARQoL. CD and IO are predictable treatment options for improving the aesthetic self-perception of edentulous patients.