Validation of the “Quality of Life related to function, aesthetics, socialization, and thoughts about health-behavioural habits (QoLFAST-10)” scale for wearers of implant-supported fixed partial dentures

Objectives To validate the ‘Quality of Life related to function, aesthetics, socialization, and thoughts about health-behavioural habits (QoLFAST-10)’ questionnaire for assessing the whole concept of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) wearers. Methods 107 patients were assigned to: Group 1 (HP; n = 37): fixed-detachable hybrid prostheses (control); Group 2 (C-PD, n = 35): cemented partial dentures; and Group 3 (S-PD, n = 35): screwed partial dentures. Patients answered the QoLFAST-10 and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14sp) scales. Information on global oral satisfaction, socio-demographic, prosthetic, and clinical data was gathered. The psychometric capacity of the QoLFAST-10 was investigated. The correlations between both indices were explored by the Spearman's rank test. The effect of the study variables on the OHRQoL was evaluated by descriptive and non-parametric probes (α= 0.05). Results The QoLFAST-10 was reliable and valid for implant-supported FPD wearers, who attained comparable results regardless of the connection system being cement or screws. Both fixed partial groups demonstrated significantly better social, functional, and total satisfaction than did HP wearers with this index. All groups revealed similar aesthetic-related well-being and consciousness about the importance of health-behavioural habits. Several study variables modulated the QoLFAST-10 scores. Conclusions Hybrid prostheses represent the least predictable treatment option, while cemented and screwed FPDs supplied equal OHRQoL as estimated by the QoLFAST-10 scale. Clinical significance The selection of cemented or screwed FPDs should mainly rely on clinical factors, since no differences in patient satisfaction may be expected between both types of implant rehabilitations.