A Collapsible Partial Denture for a Patient with Limited Mouth Opening Induced by Scleroderma: A Clinical Report

A limited opening of the mouth is defined as microstomia. Microstomia is caused by burns, postoperative head and neck trauma, radiotherapy, or scleroderma. The prosthetic treatment of microstomia presents particular challenges, and patients often complain of an inability to insert or remove the prosthesis. The cause and severity of microstomia can influence the approach to treatment. Different treatment methods have been suggested, including the fabrication of two-piece partial dentures. This clinical report describes the construction of a sectional impression tray and a collapsed partial denture using a hinge attachment for a patient with microstomia.