Maria-Adriana Blaj, Agop-Forna Doriana, Rosu Cristina
ABSTRACT
Tooth loss in the elderly impairs masticatory function and quality of life, with removable partial dentures (RPDs) serving as a common yet incompletely evaluated rehabilitation option. Objective methods (comminution tests, digital color mixing, occlusal force) show modest masticatory gains of 10–30%, while patient-reported outcomes reveal substantially higher satisfaction driven by comfort, pain relief, and stability rather than technical performance alone. The frequent objective–subjective discrepancy reflects psychosocial benefits, behavioral adaptation, and lowered expectations. Successful treatment requires a multidimensional assessment combining objective measures and PROMs, meticulous pain control, individualized design, and material selection, with international standardization remaining a key priority.