TIPS
denture teeth and the latex gloves worn by the dentist. The use of forceps minimizes the chances of dropping the denture teeth during adjustment by providing a secure grip on the tooth. Gloved hands are away from the immediate vicinity of the adjustment site, thus minimizing the potential of accidental “grabbing” of the gloves by the rotary instruments. Teeth are grasped by the mesial and distal surfaces to prevent damage to the esthetic surfaces of the teeth. Firm pressure is applied to prevent loss of the tooth during grinding procedures. Denture teeth can be finely adjusted with a dental bur in a handpiece or rapidly reduced with a lathe and arbor band without fear of losing the tooth (Figs. 5 and 6). When a lathe is used, a finger may be placed underneath the tooth to stabilize it during reduction (Fig. 3). MOVING WAX-UPS
DENTURE
TEETH
IN DENTURE
Wax spatulas can be used to move denture teeth during the initial denture setup stages. However, the use of spatulas usually results in simple tilting motions, sometimes difficult to control. The use of forceps with serrated jaws allows for bodily movements and more controlled tilting
Treatment Victor
J. Miller,
dentures:
Acrylic
partial
FROM
OUR
READEXS
movements of the denture teeth (Fig. 7). Teeth can easily be extruded or intruded without affecting their axial inelination. Wax around the tooth to be moved is softened with an alcohol torch, the jaws of the forceps are placed on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the denture teeth, and the desired combination of tilting and bodily movements are exerted on the tooth. If the wax is sufficiently softened, minimal force is required to adjust the position and angulation of the tooth. When large changes in position are required, the tooth may be removed and additional wax added or removed. An added benefit of this technique of moving teeth in the final phases of a wax try-in is that the finished wax-up is minimally disturbed by use of the forceps. Reprint requests to: DR. ROBERT W. LONEY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, SIN OWO CANADA
denture
and stabilizatia
BSe, BChDa
University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan It is popularly believed that masticatory muscle hyperactivity may be associated with signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dis0rders.l Loss of molar support has been reported to lead to an increase in the asymmetry of electromyographic activity of the masseter muscles, and lateral positioning of the mandible appears to affect electromyographic asymmetry of the anterior temporal muscle.2 Stabilization splints are regarded as effective in treating some craniomandibular disorders and reduced asymmetric electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles.3 Patients who have signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders and who are missing posterior teeth, with or without occlusal instability (Fig. l), can be treated by modifying removable partial acrylic resin dentures. These prostheses can then function as a stabilization splint (Fig. 2). 1. Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions are made of maxillary and mandibular arches and casts are made. 2. Acrylic resin removable partial dentures are fabricated aAssistantProfessor,Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry. 16/4/36683 136
1, Intraoral view shows loss of posterior teeth and decrease in vertical dimension of occlusion.
Fig.
in the traditional way. Zero-degree teeth are used posteriorly (usually maxillary), and these are set in as flat a plane as possible. 3. An anterior ramp is built, which together with the O-degree teeth should allow for an increase in vertical dimension of occlusion and multidirectional freedom of contact movement. MAY
1992
VOLUME
67
NUMBER
5
TIPS
FROM
OUR
READERS
Fig. 2. Removable partial denture has been modified so it can function as a stabilization splint.
4. The prosthesis is seated and checked for even bilateral occlusion (Fig. 3). REFERENCES 1. Christensen LV. Jaw muscle fatigue and pains induced by experimental tooth clenching. J Oral Rehabil 1981;8:27-36. 2. McCarroll RS, Home GLJM, Naeije M. Relationship of electromyographic parameters in jaw dysfunction patients classified according to Helkimos index. J Oral Rehabil 1984;11:521-7. 3. Humsi ANK, Naeije M, Hippe H, Hansson TL. The immediate effects
THE
JOURNAL
OF PROSTHETIC
DENTISTRY
Fig. 3. Removable partial denture in place and resultant increase in vertical dimension of occlusion.
of a stabilization spiint on the muscular asymmetry in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of patients with a craniomandibular disorder. J PBOSTHET DENT 1989;62:339-43. Reprint requests to: DR. V. J. MILLER COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA, S7N OWO
737
denture teeth and the latex gloves worn by the dentist. The use of forceps minimizes the chances of dropping the denture teeth during adjustment by providing a secure grip on the tooth. Gloved hands are away from the immediate vicinity of the adjustment site, thus minimizing the potential of accidental “grabbing” of the gloves by the rotary instruments. Teeth are grasped by the mesial and distal surfaces to prevent damage to the esthetic surfaces of the teeth. Firm pressure is applied to prevent loss of the tooth during grinding procedures. Denture teeth can be finely adjusted with a dental bur in a handpiece or rapidly reduced with a lathe and arbor band without fear of losing the tooth (Figs. 5 and 6). When a lathe is used, a finger may be placed underneath the tooth to stabilize it during reduction (Fig. 3). MOVING WAX-UPS
DENTURE
TEETH
IN DENTURE
Wax spatulas can be used to move denture teeth during the initial denture setup stages. However, the use of spatulas usually results in simple tilting motions, sometimes difficult to control. The use of forceps with serrated jaws allows for bodily movements and more controlled tilting
Treatment Victor
J. Miller,
dentures:
Acrylic
partial
FROM
OUR
READEXS
movements of the denture teeth (Fig. 7). Teeth can easily be extruded or intruded without affecting their axial inelination. Wax around the tooth to be moved is softened with an alcohol torch, the jaws of the forceps are placed on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the denture teeth, and the desired combination of tilting and bodily movements are exerted on the tooth. If the wax is sufficiently softened, minimal force is required to adjust the position and angulation of the tooth. When large changes in position are required, the tooth may be removed and additional wax added or removed. An added benefit of this technique of moving teeth in the final phases of a wax try-in is that the finished wax-up is minimally disturbed by use of the forceps. Reprint requests to: DR. ROBERT W. LONEY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, SIN OWO CANADA
denture
and stabilizatia
BSe, BChDa
University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan It is popularly believed that masticatory muscle hyperactivity may be associated with signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dis0rders.l Loss of molar support has been reported to lead to an increase in the asymmetry of electromyographic activity of the masseter muscles, and lateral positioning of the mandible appears to affect electromyographic asymmetry of the anterior temporal muscle.2 Stabilization splints are regarded as effective in treating some craniomandibular disorders and reduced asymmetric electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles.3 Patients who have signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders and who are missing posterior teeth, with or without occlusal instability (Fig. l), can be treated by modifying removable partial acrylic resin dentures. These prostheses can then function as a stabilization splint (Fig. 2). 1. Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions are made of maxillary and mandibular arches and casts are made. 2. Acrylic resin removable partial dentures are fabricated aAssistantProfessor,Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry. 16/4/36683 136
1, Intraoral view shows loss of posterior teeth and decrease in vertical dimension of occlusion.
Fig.
in the traditional way. Zero-degree teeth are used posteriorly (usually maxillary), and these are set in as flat a plane as possible. 3. An anterior ramp is built, which together with the O-degree teeth should allow for an increase in vertical dimension of occlusion and multidirectional freedom of contact movement. MAY
1992
VOLUME
67
NUMBER
5
TIPS
FROM
OUR
READERS
Fig. 2. Removable partial denture has been modified so it can function as a stabilization splint.
4. The prosthesis is seated and checked for even bilateral occlusion (Fig. 3). REFERENCES 1. Christensen LV. Jaw muscle fatigue and pains induced by experimental tooth clenching. J Oral Rehabil 1981;8:27-36. 2. McCarroll RS, Home GLJM, Naeije M. Relationship of electromyographic parameters in jaw dysfunction patients classified according to Helkimos index. J Oral Rehabil 1984;11:521-7. 3. Humsi ANK, Naeije M, Hippe H, Hansson TL. The immediate effects
THE
JOURNAL
OF PROSTHETIC
DENTISTRY
Fig. 3. Removable partial denture in place and resultant increase in vertical dimension of occlusion.
of a stabilization spiint on the muscular asymmetry in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of patients with a craniomandibular disorder. J PBOSTHET DENT 1989;62:339-43. Reprint requests to: DR. V. J. MILLER COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA, S7N OWO
737
