Effects of different complete dentures base materials and tooth types on short-term phonetics

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the effect of various types of complete dentures, base materials, and teeth types on patients' short-term phonetics.MethodsA quasi-parallel study was conducted at the dental clinic, Faculty of Dentistry at Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch in Egypt. Fifty healthy participants with complete dentures were enrolled in the study. The enrolled patients were grouped into two main batches: three groups in batch one and two groups in batch two. The three groups in the first batch received three different denture base materials (flexible acrylic resin, heat cure acrylic resin, and chrome cobalt metallic base). The two groups in batch two received different types of teeth (acrylic and porcelain teeth). The five groups completed a questionnaire composed of items pertaining to demographic characteristics, and the researcher obtained data about phonetics.ResultsThe sound level was significantly higher in the group of dentures constructed of chrome cobalt metallic base in comparison to the other materials. Additionally, the sound level in porcelain teeth was significantly higher than that in acrylic teeth. The material used to construct teeth was one of the major determinants influencing phonetics.ConclusionPhonetics is affected by the material used to construct the base of complete dentures and the teeth type. Complete dentures with a chrome cobalt metallic base and porcelain teeth are considered to be superior for improving phonetics.