Sectional impressions and simplified folding complete denture for severe microstomia

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

Provision of an upper full prosthesis in a patient with severely reduced mouth opening.

Main

Givan DA, AuClair WA et al. J Prosthodont 2010; 19: 299–302

In the introduction, different methods are revisited to provide removable prostheses for patients with severe microstomia. The prosthetic treatment of a patient who was only able to open their mouth 35 mm, is then described. Their microsomia was as a consequence of reconstruction of their lower lip with a radial forearm flap, after ablation surgery for a squamous cell carcinoma. A secondary impression of the upper denture bearing area was recorded with a sectioned custom impression tray with interlocking handles. The denture maxillary base was made-up from two segments connected by a hinge. The hinge comprised a cast 10-gauge hollow sprue into which was inserted a 18-gauge straight stainless steel wrought wire. When in the mouth, in order to keep the denture in the unfolded position, a 'plunger attachment' was placed between the canine and premolar teeth.