A case of oral function improvement by new denture fabrication and oral function training

Abstract

Patient: An 84-year-old male presented with difficulty with eating and speaking due to movement of the mandibular denture. He was completely edentulous, with a narrow tongue space in the mandibular denture, causing movement of the denture by slight tongue movements. His mandibular position was inconsistent, and his oral function was reduced. Treatment involved training for oral functions and the fabrication of therapeutic treatment dentures to correct the mandibular position and determine the appropriate shape, followed by the fabrication of new dentures. Oral function improved after training, and the patient could maintain independence due to improved mastication ability after wearing new dentures.

Discussion: Dentures with improved stability were fabricated by determining their appropriate shape with treatment dentures and reflecting them in the new dentures.

Conclusion: Denture treatment that considers the condition of residual ridges and temporomandibular functions, along with concurrent training for oral function, helps improve and maintain mastication.