The clinical impression procedures described in this article provide a method of recording the morphology of the intaglio and cameo surfaces of complete denture bases and also identify muscular and phonetic locations for the prosthetic teeth. When the CAD/CAM technology for fabricating complete dentures becomes commercially available, it will be possible to scan the denture base morphology and tooth positions recorded with this technique and import those data into a virtual tooth arrangement program where teeth can be articulated and then export the data to a milling device for the fabrication of the complete dentures. A prototype 3-D tooth arrangement program is described in this article that serves as an example of the type of program than can be used to arrange prosthetic teeth virtually as part of the overall CAD/CAM fabrication of complete dentures.

CAD/CAM fabricated complete dentures: concepts and clinical methods of obtaining required morphological data.

Establishing optimal complete denture retention requires an understanding of the factors discussed. Incorporation of these determinants into the prosthesis through proper design and technique contributes to the success of complete dentures.

A contemporary review of the factors involved in complete denture retention, stability, and support. Part I: Retention

The effect of the technical quality of complete dentures and the physical condition of the mouth on patients' satisfaction was investigated in 130 patients who received new complete dentures A moderately positive correlation was found between satisfaction of the patient and quality of the dentures However, no correlation was found between the satisfaction of the patient and the physical condition of the mouth

The influence of clinical variables on patients' satisfaction with complete dentures

In this clinical 6-year follow-up study subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 55), characterized by the absence of molar support, are compared with subjects with complete dental arches (CDA, n = 52) with respect to items concerning craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort. In addition, a small group of subjects with SDA and removable partial dentures in the lower jaw (SDA + RPD, n = 19) is included in this study. Oral comfort is defined using the following criteria: (i) absence of pain and distress, meaning the absence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction: (ii) chewing ability; and (iii) appreciation of the appearance of the dentition in relation to absent posterior teeth. Additionally, complaints about the free-end RPD are described. It is concluded that: (i) a SDA (consisting of 3-5 occlusal units, OU) is not a risk factor for CMD and is able to provide long-term sufficient oral comfort; and (ii) free-end RPD (in the lower jaw) in SDA do not prevent CMD and do not improve oral function in terms of oral comfort.

A 6-year follow-up study of oral function in shortened dental arches. Part II: Craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort.

The interpretation of dental radiographs for the diagnosis of periodontal disease conditions poses several difficulties. These include the inability to adequately reproduce the projection geometry and optical density of the exposures. In order to improve the ability to extract accurate quantitative information from a radiographic survey of periodontal status, a method was developed which provided for consistent reproduction of both geometric and densitometric exposure parameters. This technique employed vertical bitewing projections in holders customized to individual segments of the dentition. A copper stepwedge was designed to provide densitometric standardization, and wire markers were included to permit measurement of angular variation. In a series of 53 paired radiographs, measurement of alveolar crest heights was found to be reproducible within approximately 0.1 mm. This method provided a full mouth radiographic survey using seven films, each complete with internal standards suitable for computer-based image processing.

A method for the geometric and densitometric standardization of intraoral radiographs.

The neutral-zone philosophy is based upon the concept that for each individual patient, there exists within the denture space a specific area where the function of the musculature will not unseat the denture and where forces generated by the tongue are neutralized by the forces generated by the lips and cheeks. The influence of tooth position and flange contour on denture stability is equal to or greater than that of any other factor. We should not be dogmatic and insist that teeth be placed over the crest of the ridge, buccal or lingual to the ridge. Teeth should be placed as dictated by the musculature, and this will vary for different patients. Positioning artificial teeth in the neutral zone achieves two objectives. First, the teeth will not interfere with the normal muscle function, and second, the forces exerted by the musculature against the dentures are more favorable for stability and retention.

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The neutral zone in complete dentures.

The neutral zone in complete and partial dentures

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The neutral zone in complete dentures. 1976.

A Technique for Standardized Serial Dental Radiographs

The effects of variations in the opposing dentition on changes in the partially edentulous mandible. Part I. Bone changes observed in serial radiographs.

Victor E. Beresin

Papers

The neutral zone in complete dentures.

The neutral zone in complete and partial dentures

The neutral zone in complete dentures. 1976.

A Technique for Standardized Serial Dental Radiographs

The effects of variations in the opposing dentition on changes in the partially edentulous mandible. Part I. Bone changes observed in serial radiographs.