Objectives: Plaque accumulation and state of prosthodontic appliances was compared between fixed and removable dentures, relative to subject age and gender in a group of elderly. Material and methods: A 150 elderly (age °Ã 60 years) patients of the Dental Clinic were divided into three age groups and examined. Plaque accumulation was evaluated by Silness&Loe index for FPDs and Tarbet's index for removable dentures. State of FPDs was evaluated by Karlsson's index, while state of removable dentures was evaluated by modified Nevalainen's index. Results: Silness&Loe class II was found in 40% male and 50% female subjects, while class III was found in 50% male and 42% female subjects with FPDs, with the overall number of 290 crowns. 69% of crowns and 79% of bridges were 6 years or older, while 60% of dentures were 4 years or older. According to Karlsson's index only 9% of crowns were adequate, while 13% needed immediate replacement. Tarbet's index showed that 50% of removable dentures had up to ¨ù of surface covered by plaque. Inadequate retention demonstrated 58% of dentures, and 60% had inadequate stabilization. Subject age and gender had no significant influence on plaque accumulation (p=0,623) or state of FPDs (p=0,546) and removable dentures (p=0,681). Significant correlation was determined between the appliance age and state (r=-0,562, p=0,369). Significantly more plaque accumulated on FPDs compared to removable dentures. Conclusions: Appliance longevity in service significantly influences its state and appearance (p<0.05), while subject age and gender are not significant factors (p>0.05). Removable dentures are in better state and have less plaque accumulation compared to FPDs.

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