THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SATISFACTION WITH MOUTH AND NUMBER AND POSITION OF TEETH

A number of studies have suggested that many people are satisfied with less than 28 natural teeth. This review assesses the evidence. The ma in conclusion was that less than a complete dentition can satisfy oral functional needs. Missing posterior teeth were not very important fro m a subjective aspect. The demand for replacement of missing teeth is related to the position of missing teeth. Most studies agree that indi viduals were more concerned about missing anterior teeth and having an terior rather than posterior teeth replaced. Aesthetics is more import ant than function for a great majority of individuals. However, certai n socio-demographic factors, such as age, can change the subjective ne ed for replacement of missing teeth. Some studies have assessed the so cial and psychological impacts on oral health status. The position of missing teeth was assessed, in terms of groups of missing teeth, anter ior or posterior, that would affect an individuals' subjective need fo r replacement by partial prosthesis. Large numbers of people that have free end removable partial dentures made do not wear them because sub jective needs are lower than normatively determined needs for replacem ent of missing teeth. Some studies have proposed alternatives to the r eplacement of missing teeth, such as the shortened dental arch concept .