ObjectiveTo explore older adults' perceptions, motivations and reasons for using and not replacing old and worn complete dentures over prolonged periods.Materials and MethodsIn‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Brazilian edentulous older adults who were wearing complete dentures which were at least 20 years old. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants from an existing waiting list of those referred to a hospital clinic for new dentures. The interviews were video‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsSixty‐two individuals were assessed and nine were included in the study, aged from 61 to 77 years (mean = 65.4), with seven (77.8%) of them women. The reported time using their current dentures ranged from 22 to 45 years (mean = 28). Content analysis revealed three main themes: the perception of the current dentures' condition after prolonged use; reasons for the prolonged use and non‐replacement; and unsuccessful attempts to replace the dentures. Overall, participants acknowledged the poor condition of their dentures and did recognise the need for replacement. Several factors had prompted them to delay or temporarily forego replacement, with financial constraints being the main barrier. Some reported failed attempts to replace the dentures in the past years or months; however, challenging adaptation to the new prostheses led to them reverting back to their old dentures as a fallback solution.ConclusionFactors influencing prolonged denture use in older adults include a complex interplay of financial aspects, treatment awareness, access and personal factors. Dental professionals can play a pivotal role in promoting timely denture adjustment or replacement by addressing these factors through patient education and personalised care.

中文翻译：

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长期使用旧假牙：针对巴西老年人的定性研究


目的探讨老年人长期使用和不更换旧的和磨损的全口义齿的看法、动机和原因。材料和方法对巴西无牙颌老年人进行深入的半结构化访谈，他们佩戴全口义齿至少20岁。采用有目的的抽样方法从现有的等待名单中招募参与者，这些名单被转介到医院诊所购买新假牙。访谈内容被录像、逐字转录，并使用主题分析进行分析。 结果 对 62 人进行了评估，其中 9 人被纳入研究，年龄从 61 岁到 77 岁（平均 = 65.4），其中 7 人（77.8%）为女性。据报告，他们使用当前假牙的时间范围为 22 至 45 年（平均值 = 28）。内容分析揭示了三个主题：长期使用后对当前假牙状况的看法；长期使用且不更换的原因；以及更换假牙的失败尝试。总体而言，参与者承认他们的假牙状况不佳，并且确实意识到需要更换。有几个因素促使他们推迟或暂时放弃更换，其中财务限制是主要障碍。一些人报告说在过去几年或几个月里尝试更换假牙失败了；然而，对新假牙的适应具有挑战性，导致他们恢复使用旧假牙作为后备解决方案。结论影响老年人长期使用假牙的因素包括经济方面、治疗意识、获取和个人因素之间复杂的相互作用。 牙科专业人员可以通过患者教育和个性化护理解决这些因素，在促进及时调整或更换义齿方面发挥关键作用。