A Randomised Controlled Study Comparing the Anterior Mandibular Labio-Lingual Neutral Zone Position in Edentulous...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Determining the optimal labio-lingual position for mandibular complete dentures is crucial for stability and function.
• The neutral zone technique is a common method for recording this position.
• There is ongoing debate regarding the necessity of the opposing (maxillary) denture during this impression procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the presence of the maxillary complete denture influences the labio-lingual position of the mandibular neutral zone.
• To provide evidence-based guidance on the technique for recording neutral zone impressions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 12 participants.
• Two neutral zone impressions of the mandibular arch were recorded for each participant.
• One impression was taken with the maxillary denture in place, and the other without.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant mean difference was found in the labio-lingual position of the mandibular neutral zone between the two impression conditions.
• The presence of the maxillary denture did not consistently affect the anterior mandibular neutral zone position within this study's parameters.

Conclusions:

• The maxillary denture does not appear to be a necessary component for achieving a reliable neutral zone impression for mandibular complete dentures.
• This finding may simplify the clinical procedure for fabricating complete dentures.