The neutral zone revisited: from historical concepts to modern application

Providing complete denture therapy to patients with atrophic residual alveolar ridges is challenging. Because these patients suffer ongoing diminution of the denture foundation, modern approaches often involve dental implant therapy as a means of improving the denture foundation and supplementing the mechanics of prosthesis support, retention, and stability. Regardless of implant availability, physiologically optimal denture contours and physiologically appropriate denture tooth arrangement should be achieved to maximize prosthesis stability, comfort, and function for patients. This article presents historical perspectives on the arrangement of denture teeth in the facial-lingual dimension and the contouring of complete denture polished surfaces. Additionally, a modern clinical technique is presented for the physiologic registration of denture tooth positions and denture base contours. Information gained may then be incorporated into definitive prostheses in an effort to achieve successful complete denture therapy.