Complete Dentures Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the preliminary difference between natural dentition and complete denture occlusion?

Natural teeth act as shock absorbers (correct)

Natural teeth allow no movement

Dentures contact the tongue

Dentures rest on non-movable tissues

How does the maxillary arch heal after extractions?

Up and in

How does the mandibular arch heal after extractions?

Down and out

What is the Space of Donders?

Space between dorsum of tongue and palate Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the space to accommodate dentures?

Restrictive Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of complete denture occlusion?

Limit trauma, preserve remaining structures, enhance stability, restore esthetics, speech, and mastication. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three staples of dentures?

Support, stability, retention Signup and view all the answers

What is balanced occlusion?

Simultaneous contacting of maxillary and mandibular teeth during jaw movements. Signup and view all the answers

What should you evaluate during an MMR appointment?

Adjust occlusal rims. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal for the maxillary occlusion rim?

To project 1-2mm below the lip line Signup and view all the answers

What affects lip support?

Position of incisal edge, thickness and contour of labial flange, gingival contours. Signup and view all the answers

What is Camper's line?

Line between tragus of ear and wing of nose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Frankfort Horizontal?

Line between superior margin of external auditory meatus (EAM) and the inferior orbital ridge. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fox plane assist with?

Orienting the anterior and posterior occlusal plane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Buddle Corridor?

Space between buccal surface and cheek mucosa Signup and view all the answers

How should the occlusal plane be adjusted?

Anterior plane parallel to interpupillary line and posterior plane parallel to Camper's plane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Vertical Dimension of Rest (VDR)?

Vertical separation of jaws at physiological rest position. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance between VDR and VDO called?

Interocclusal distance or freeway space. Signup and view all the answers

How should the anterior teeth be set in relation to the arch?

Follow the shape of the arch. Signup and view all the answers

In denture occlusion, do the anterior teeth touch in maximum intercuspation (MIC)?

False Signup and view all the answers

What results in facial collapse?

Loss of teeth and resorption of the alveolar ridge. Signup and view all the answers

When should you start considering proper lip support?

At the border molding stage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the selection of anterior teeth influence?

Sets up for rest of the case Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preliminary Differences Between Natural Teeth and Complete Dentures

Natural teeth are held by the periodontal ligament (PDL), allowing slight movement and acting as a shock absorber.
Complete dentures rest on soft, movable tissues, resulting in potential displacement and trauma to supporting structures from premature deflective contacts.

Healing Processes After Extractions

Maxillary arch heals by moving "up and in."
Mandibular arch heals by moving "down and out."

Space Considerations for Dentures

Space of Donders: area between the tongue's dorsum and the palate.
Limited space for accommodating dentures is described as very restrictive.

Goals of Complete Denture Occlusion

Minimize trauma to supporting structures.
Preserve remaining structures and enhance stability of dentures.
Restore aesthetics, speech, and mastication in that order of priority.

Key Components of Denture Functionality

Three staples of dentures: support, stability, and retention.
Balanced occlusion involves simultaneous contact between maxillary and mandibular teeth during various jaw movements.

Maxillary and Mandibular Occlusal Rim Goals

Maxillary rim should contour for phonetics and aesthetics, resting slightly below the lip line.
Mandibular rim should maintain contact with the maxillary rim, incorporating a horizontal overjet of 1-2mm.

Understanding Vertical Dimension (VD)

Vertical dimension is the distance between two selected points, maintained through occlusion (OVD) or muscle contraction (VDR).
Establishing the correct OVD requires careful measurement and patient feedback.

Interocclusal Distance

Defined as the difference between VDR and VDO, typically ranging from 2-4mm.
Inadequate or excessive interocclusal distance can lead to improper occlusion and functional issues.

Recording Centric Relation (CR)

CR represents the jaw position when condyles articulate with the thinnest part of their discs, requiring correct OVD for proper records.
Alu-wax is an interocclusal recording medium used to capture accurate relationships during CR.

Tooth Selection Factors

Anterior teeth selection involves considerations of width, shape, size, and character consistent with the patient's facial features and age.
Available materials for dentures include porcelain, plastic, and Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN), each with distinct characteristics.

Anterior and Posterior Teeth Characterization

Anterior teeth should align with the smile line; characterizations should reflect the patient’s personality and age.
For posterior teeth, factors influencing selection include material, size, and occlusal height aligned with interarch distances.

Importance of Occlusal Rims

Occlusal rims function as occluding surfaces that assist in achieving maximum intercuspation records and guide tooth arrangement.
Placement of guidelines on occlusal rims is crucial for the final aesthetics and function of the complete denture.

Guidelines for Tooth Arrangement

The arrangement must follow the arch's contour; maxillary and mandibular teeth should interdigitate properly.
Canine positioning is key for ensuring proper bite registration and aesthetics.

Role of Aesthetics in Denture Design

Aesthetic considerations include gingival heights variation based on tooth type, with meticulous attention to natural appearance and age appropriateness.
Staining methods can also be used to enhance natural looks, especially on common staining areas like incisal edges.

Laboratory Communication

Essential information for the lab includes patient demographics and existing structures to facilitate quality denture fabrication tailored to individual needs.

Final Considerations

The balance of functional, aesthetic, and physical attributes in denture design is essential for patient satisfaction and effective oral function.
Continuous evaluation of denture placement and function throughout the fitting process ensures optimal results.

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Description

This quiz explores the key differences between natural teeth and complete dentures, healing processes after tooth extractions, and the essential considerations for denture functionality. Learn about occlusion goals and the anatomy relevant to denture placement and maintenance.