Construction of a Removable Denture for a Partially Edentulous Patient with Infraocclusion

Abstract

Patient: A 61-year-old man complained of masticatory disturbance caused by loss of occlusal support and attrition in molar areas. Since the cause of disturbance was considered infraocclusion, occlusal vertical dimension was increased by insertion of occlusal splint-type treatment denture that covered occlusal surfaces of the remaining teeth and functional recovery was observed. Finally, a definitive denture was fabricated, which was supported by onlay-type rests on the worn occlusal surfaces of abutment teeth.
Discussion: Former vertical dimension was modified by insertion of the treatment denture, and based on it, final vertical dimension and design of the definitive dentures were determined. These steps facilitated good convalescence and satisfaction of the patient with the definitive denture. Tooth preparation for the bridges was able to be avoided by applying the onlay type rest.
Conclusion: Use of occlusal splint-type treatment dentures and application of onlay-type rest resolved the chief complaint regarding masticatory disturbance.