Effect of Cast Modification on Denture Base Adaptation Following Maxillary Complete Denture Processing.

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Complete denture fabrication relies on accurate adaptation of the denture base to the cast.
• Processing errors can lead to gaps between the denture base and the cast, compromising fit and function.
• Cast modifications are explored to enhance denture base adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of specific cast modifications on the adaptation of maxillary complete denture bases.
• To assess adaptation in both coronal and sagittal planes after denture processing.

Main Methods:

• Sixty maxillary edentulous casts were divided into six groups with varying cast modifications.
• Modifications included butterfly postdam preparation and box preparations of different sizes (10mm and 20mm) with or without four round holes.
• Denture bases were processed using standardized techniques, and gap measurements were taken using microscopy in coronal and sagittal sections.

Main Results:

• Maximum gaps were consistently observed in the mid-palatal region.
• Significant differences in gap sizes were found between groups in both coronal and sagittal projections.
• Increasing box preparation size from 10mm to 20mm significantly reduced gap size, with no significant effect from adding holes.

Conclusions:

• Box preparation in the mid-heel aspect of maxillary casts effectively enhances denture base adaptation.
• A 20mm box preparation demonstrates superior gap reduction compared to a 10mm preparation.
• The addition of perforations (holes) to the box preparation does not significantly alter denture base adaptation.