PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of complete dentures (CD) with anatomical 
and nonanatomical teeth in completely edentulous elderly individuals regarding 
oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), satisfaction, masticatory 
performance (MP), need for adjustment after CD placement, and patient preference 
for occlusal type.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized crossover clinical trial comprising 50 
edentulous elderly individuals was conducted. The participants were divided into 
two groups: AT-NT (rehabilitated initially with anatomical teeth and 3 months 
later with nonanatomical teeth) and NT-AT (rehabilitated initially with 
nonanatomical teeth and 3 months later with anatomical teeth). OHRQoL was 
analyzed using the OHIP-EDENT; a satisfaction questionnaire was applied; MP was 
evaluated by the median particle size (×50) after chewing an artificial test 
food; and the number of adjustments of the prosthesis base was assessed 
quantitatively.
RESULTS: Overall, 34 elderly individuals (mean age: 69 years) were analyzed. No 
significant difference was observed between CD users with anatomical and 
nonanatomical teeth for OHRQoL (P = .674), satisfaction (P = .725), MP (P = 
.849), or number of adjustments (P = .135). Most subjects (52.9%) did not 
express a preference for any occlusal surface type. However, among those with a 
preference, the majority (32.4%) opted for nonanatomical teeth.
CONCLUSION: Both posterior tooth types are eligible for oral rehabilitation in 
elderly users of conventional CDs, as the variables were not influenced by 
occlusal morphology. However, further studies are warranted in highly resorbed 
mandibular edges or in cases of adaptation difficulties, as the results may 
differ.