Mandibular atrophy: a theory of its cause and prevention

The unconscious habit of holding the teeth together or clenching, or both, is one of the most dominant factors that leads to mandibular atrophy. This habit causes long periods of mucoperiosteal ischemia due to denture pressure, with inflammation, a lowered PH, and a net bone loss. Pressure resorption is postulated as the primary cause of mandibular atrophy.