A Case of Complete Dentures using a New Method of Examining the Maxillomandibular Residual Ridge Relationship (Occlusal Map)

—New Method of Artificial Teeth Arrangement with Emphasis on Establishing Unilateral Balance during Masticatory Movement—

Abstract

Patients: A case of complete dentures for an edentulous patient who had problems due to the maxillomandibular residual ridge relationship is reported. In addition, a new method of artificial teeth arrangement with an emphasis on establishing unilateral balance during masticatory movement is introduced. At maxillomandibular registration, the unilateral balancing areas were recorded on record blocks. To examine the maxillomandibular residual ridge relationship, standardized digital pictures of the upper and lower casts were taken, and the occlusal map was composed using digital processing software¹⁾. In the teeth arrangement, the occlusal contact points were set in the overlap areas of the upper and lower unilateral balancing areas on the occlusal map. The patient was satisfied with the new complete dentures during masticatory movement, and the mastication ability was improved.
Discussion: The occlusal map correctly diagnosed the problems of this case. The occlusal map was informative for planning the prosthodontic treatment and artificial tooth arrangement. The new method of artificial teeth arrangement resulted in stable dentures during masticatory movement.
Conclusions: The occlusal map and the new method of artificial teeth arrangement described in this report are practical.