Validation of a new, specific, complete, and short OHRQoL scale (QoLFAST-10) for wearers of implant overdentures and fixed-detachable hybrid prostheses

Objectives To validate a new index for assessing the whole concept of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of implant-prosthesis wearers. Methods 113 patients who were not requesting dental treatment were assigned to: Group 1 (CD; n = 38): complete denture users (control); Group 2 (IO; n = 38): implant overdenture wearers; and Group 3 (HP; n = 37): hybrid implant prosthesis users. Patients answered the newly-designed 'Quality of Life related to Function, Aesthetics, Socialization, and Thoughts about health-behavioural habits' (QoLFAST-10) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20sp) questionnaires. Information on global oral satisfaction, socio-demographic, clinical, and prosthetic-related data were gathered. The QoLFAST-10 was investigated for reliability and validity. The Spearman's test determined the correlations between both indices' scores. Descriptive and non-parametric probes were run to assess the influence of the study variables on the OHRQoL (α = 0.05). Results The QoLFAST-10 confirmed its psychometric capacity. HP wearers reported significantly better global and functional satisfaction than did IO wearers. The latter revealed significantly less consciousness about the importance of health-behavioural habits than did CD and HP groups. The level of education, complaints about the mouth, and the global oral satisfaction measures significantly modulated the QoLFAST-10 scores. Conclusions Implant overdentures supplied lower functional and global satisfaction than did hybrid prostheses, and represent the least predictable option concerning the maintenance of the restoration. Clinical significance The QoLFAST-10 may help in estimating the impact of implant restorations on patients' well-being. In this regard, hybrid prostheses seem to be the implant treatment of choice when compared with overdentures.