A case report on improving masticatory performance, via modification of the denture base, introducing an appropriate periphery and shape

Abstract

Patient: The patient was a 67-year-old edentulous woman complaining of poor retention of her mandibular denture. Further investigations indicated that it was due to insufficient extension of the anterior lingual periphery. To improve this, an appropriate dimension was applied to the new denture with border molding, and closed mouth functional impression techniques.

Discussion: With the previous denture, the anterior lingual periphery did not extend beyond the mental spine, which tends to happen when severe residual ridge reduction and a thin layer of mucosa are present. The key to establishing absolute functional retention against functional force was to extend the anterior lingual periphery and cover the mental spine entirely, thus significantly improving retention as well as masticatory function.

Conclusion: Determination of the position and shape of the denture periphery is one of the most important components for a mandibular complete denture to achieve absolute retention.