Abstract:

Objective To collect the information about types and clinically-used materials for the dentures, and evaluate the current conditions and characteristics of prosthodontic treatment in Shanghai. Methods Three municipal public hospitals and two private commercial dental labs in Shanghai were served as sample units. The application information on fixed partial dentures, removable partial dentures and complete dentures from January 2005 to December 2007 was collected. The number of dentures in each sample unit, the total proportion of each type of dentures, and the proportion of each type of dentures in public hospitals or private labs were retrospectively analysed. Results From 2005 to 2007, the number of dentures increased by approximately 20% annually. The number of dentures made in private labs increased by 43.58% in 2005 to 2006 and 23.23% in 2006 to 2007. As to the types of dentures, fixed partial dentures constituted the largest proportion (74.49%-76.19% for public hospitals and more than 80% for private labs), while complete dentures accounted for the smallest proportion (5.07% to 6.24% for public hospitals and 1.02% to 1.38% for private labs). Conclusion With an ever-growing awareness of oral health, prosthodontics has been developing rapidly in Shanghai. The rapid increase trend of private dental clinics is noticeable. Fixed partial dentures constitute the largest proportion, while the proportion of complete denture gradually decreases year by year.

Key words: dentures, proportion, public, private, survey