Depression As a Risk Factor for Denture Dissatisfaction

Depression is associated with impaired health outcomes. This study investigated whether there is a significant association between depression and dissatisfaction with dentures in older adults. In a population-based study (1180 adults aged 65-74 yrs), depression was measured by an abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale. Denture dissatisfaction was assessed with a five-point Likert-type question ("very dissatisfied" to "very satisfied"). The depression-denture dissatisfaction association was analyzed with simple (dissatisfied vs. not dissatisfied outcome) and ordinal logistic regression (based on outcome's full range). For each unit increase on the 15-point depression scale, the probability of denture dissatisfaction increased by 24% [95% confidence interval, 15-34%, P < 0.001 (simple logistic regression)] and the probability for higher levels on the five-point dissatisfaction scale increased by 16% [95% CI, 11-22%, P < 0.001 (ordinal logistic regression)], adjusted for potential confounding variables. The likely causal association in older adults has major implications for the evaluation of treatment effects and the demand for prosthodontic therapy.