Manuals_files/CD Manual 12.pdf - Removable Prosthodontics

Single Complete Dentures - 73
Single Complete Dentures
Single dentures are more often fabricated in the maxillary arch, as these teeth are usually lost
before their mandibular antagonists. Mandibular single dentures should rarely be considered,
unless a means of stress reduction can be used - a processed resilient denture liner,
overdenture or implant retained denture. Otherwise rapid and severe residual ridge
resorption can result from the forces on the mandibular ridge. Single dentures tend to be
difficult to fabricate for the following reasons:
1. More force from the opposing natural dentition tends to displace the denture, or cause
fracture due to flexure
2. Greater forces from the natural dentition (especially anterior teeth) tend to result in
severe residual ridge resorption, making denture retention & stability more difficult
yet. (Combination Syndrome)
3. Tooth malpositions (extrusion, tipping, rotations) cause the denture to be less stable
(difficult to balance occlusion)
Treatment differs from normal complete denture therapy in the following ways:
1. Occlusal adjustment of natural teeth may be required to level the plane of occlusion
by:
a. reducing a any severe curve of Spee
b. leveling steps in the occlusal plane caused by supraeruptions
c. alter the contour of rotated teeth to permit bilateral contacts on flat surfaces
A diagnostic cast should be obtained to assess the occlusal plane. Mock
adjustment can be performed on the diagnostic cast and a reduction
template fabricated to aid intraoral adjustment