Denture Overextension — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateProsthodonticsDenture OverextensionORE Part 1

A patient reports that their complete upper denture is comfortable at rest but is displaced when they open their mouth widely. Which denture fault is the most likely cause?

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Correct answer: E — Overextension of the posterior denture border

The most likely fault is an overextended posterior border. During wide opening, functional movement of the soft palate and adjacent tissues can act on an overextended posterior border and lift or displace the maxillary denture. Overextended denture borders are recognised to cause abnormal denture movement and loss of retention during functional movements. Underextension of a buccal flange can reduce peripheral seal and overall retention, but it is less specifically associated with displacement on wide opening. Excess posterior teeth and excessive occlusal vertical dimension principally produce occlusal or functional problems. Poor palatal adaptation may cause general looseness, but does not explain the characteristic movement-provoked displacement as directly as posterior-border overextension.

Reference: Alhajj MN, Ramos Marquez J. Simple technique to evaluate denture border extensions using silicone impression material. Journal of the Irish Dental Association. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29797830/