Improvement of masticatory function with occlusal reconstruction by treatment dentures

Abstract

Outline of the case: A 67-year-old male patient presented with masticatory dysfunction caused by malocclusion of removable dentures. Since the loss of occlusal support had induced a decreased vertical dimension and there was an occlusal plane discrepancy, occlusal reconstruction was performed with treatment dentures, and then the final dentures were made.

Discussion: Masticatory dysfunction was correlated with the loss of molar occlusion in this case, so the restoration of occlusal support and occlusal reconstruction were attempted by treatment dentures. Then we made the final dentures based on the treatment dentures. They were designed to make the support as rigid as possible and to avoid overloading of the remaining teeth. As a result, no tooth loss was observed after delivery of the final dentures. The chewing score and patient’s satisfaction were also improved.

Conclusion: Improvement of masticatory function was achieved by the final dentures after occlusal reconstruction with treatment dentures.