Interaction between removable partial denture use and number of natural teeth on health-related quality of life in older adults: A cross-sectional study

Authors

• Pai-Shien Liao, Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
• Chia-Hsuan Chou, Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
• Ya-Xin Zheng, Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
• Jiiang-Huei Jeng, School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TaiwanFollow
• Wan-Chuen Liao, School of Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
• Ying-Fang Chen, Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan

Abstract

Background/purpose: The compensatory benefit of removable partial dentures (RPDs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) depends on the number of natural teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between RPD use and number of natural teeth on HRQoL, measured by EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 410 older adults. Dental status, including the number of natural teeth and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, and RPD use were assessed. Participants were categorized into three groups (0-9, 10-19, and ≥ 20 natural teeth). HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L and VAS. Generalized linear models with a gamma log-link function were employed to examine the association between RPD use and HRQoL after adjusting for age, sex, and DMFT index. Interaction effects between RPD use and the number of natural teeth were analyzed.

Results: Among 410 participants, those with ≥ 20 natural teeth were younger and had lower DMFT index (P < 0.001), with no significant HRQoL differences across groups. Increasing age was associated with lower EQ-5D-5L scores (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed no association between RPD use and HRQoL after adjustment. A significant interaction between RPD use and number of natural teeth was observed for VAS (P = 0.048), with a trend toward higher VAS scores in individuals with fewer remaining teeth.

Conclusion: RPD use significantly interacted with the number of natural teeth for VAS, with VAS scores differing according to the number of remaining teeth.

Recommended Citation

Liao, Pai-Shien; Chou, Chia-Hsuan; Zheng, Ya-Xin; Jeng, Jiiang-Huei; Liao, Wan-Chuen; and Chen, Ying-Fang (2026) "Interaction between removable partial denture use and number of natural teeth on health-related quality of life in older adults: A cross-sectional study," Journal of Dental Sciences: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 25.
Available at: https://jds.ads.org.tw/journal/vol21/iss4/25

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

May 27 2026

Accepted Date

June 12 2026

Final Revision Date

June 11 2026