FABRICATION OF COMPLETE DENTURES USING NEUTRAL ZONE TECHNIQUE IN A PATIENT WITH FLAT RESORBED MANDIBULAR RIDGE: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Patients who have lost their teeth for a long time can experience flat resorbed ridge. When they wear dentures, they may encounter some issues relating to its instability and decreasing retention of the dentures. Conventional complete denture therapy for patients with severe residual ridge resorption is challenging. The implant retained overdenture may be a treatment option for improving the denture support, retention, and stability. However, the neutral zone technique is also considered to be an important alternative treatment for patients with unstable denture problem, particularly when implant therapy is not feasible. The aim of the neutral zone technique is to construct a denture in muscle balance through physiologically proper denture contours, the amount and size of a tooth and the appropriate denture tooth arrangement. This results in more stable and better retention. This case report describes an edentulous patient who had difficulty to masticate the food. Intra-oral examination showed severe mandibular ridge resorption. The patient received a complete denture based on the neutral zone concept. After treatment, the patient could use the dentures well. There was no issue of loose dentures during use.