Distribution of fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances among the elderly in the city of Zagreb

The aim was to determine the distribution of fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances among the elderly population in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The data on deliveries of 15 various types of fixed and removable prosthodontic appliances for the period 2002-2006 was obtained from the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (CIHI). Total number of Zagreb citizens who used dental services in the period 2002-2006 covered by CIHI was 187 159, while the population of Zagreb determined in the 2001 counteed 779 145. Considering the overall number of prosthodontic appliances delivered in the Republic of Croatia, 24% was delivered in the city of Zagreb. Regarding the appliance type, removable prosthodontic appliance deliveries accounted for 65% (138.111), while 35% (75.083) of the overall number were fixed. The highest number of partial removable appliances (24.435) was observed in the age group of 60-70 year olds, and the highest number of fixed appliances (24.940) was in the age group of 70-80 year olds.