Factors influencing edentulous patients’ preferences for prosthodontic treatment C. R. LELES*, N. P. FERREIRA*, A. H. VIEIRA*, A. C. V. CAMPOS † & E. T. SILVA* *School of Dentistry, Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Goias and † School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil SUMMARY The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing edentulous patients’ preferences for treatment using conventional or implant dentures (ID). A consecutive sample of 112 patients was selected in a university facility. All patients responded to a questionnaire concerning prefer- ences about treatment and factors influencing preferences for conventional complete dentures (CD), implant-retained overdentures (IRO) and fixed implant-supported prostheses (FISP). Subse- quently, a set of 21 questions was presented, and patients were requested to rate the importance of various potential reasons influencing their choice of treatment. Preference for CD was more prevalent for maxilla (52Æ7%) and mandible (41Æ1%). Fixed implant-supported prostheses and IRO were pre- ferred for the mandible (FISP = 37Æ5%; IRO = 21Æ4%) rather than maxilla (FISP = 27Æ7%; IRO = 19Æ6%). The most preferred treatment option among the subjects when evaluating both arches was the implant-supported fixed or removable prosthesis (FISP / IRO). A preference for combined upper and lower CD was also commonly reported (39Æ3%). Factor analysis identified six components that accounted for 72Æ2% of the total variance: (i) psy- chosocial benefits, (ii) functional performance, (iii) technical and financial concerns, (iv) post-insertion complaints, (v) removability and (vi) longevity. Technical and financial concerns (cost, complexity, surgery risks and duration of treatment) were more relevant for those who preferred ID (P <0Æ001). With the exception of post-insertion complaints, all mean scores of component factor loadings were positive for ID. Conventional complete dentures are associated with lower expected outcomes by patients, and cost-related issues are the major factors associated with the preferences for implant treatment of edentulous patients. KEYWORDS: edentulous patient, preference, treat- ment Accepted for publication 26 August 2010 Introduction Patient preference is an important issue in the prosth- odontic treatment planning process and an essential part of the evidence-based approach, which includes integration of the best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise and patient values as key factors in the decision-making process in health care (1). The prefer- ences each patient brings to a clinical encounter are a result of subjective, socioeconomic and cultural factors including personal views, previous experiences, atti- tudes and beliefs about prosthodontics and, in some cases, may be purely an individual decision (2). Other factors to be considered are access to health services and other issues associated with the demand for and use of dental care (3, 4). Cost and attitudes towards cost are the most important barriers to the utilisation of dental care, and dental insurance systems that facilitate access to dental treatment have a positive influence on attitudes and the motivation for utilisation of dental services (4). Both the public awareness and acceptance of dental implants are increasing (5, 6). In addition, treatments with implants have become routine in dental practice and offer patients benefits in terms of cost reduc- tion and convenience when compared to conventional ª 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02158.x Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 2011 38; 333–339 Journal of Oral Rehabilitation