Denture Stability — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateProsthodonticsDenture StabilityORE Part 1

A patient’s lower complete denture is adequately retained when seated, but it displaces during mastication. Which denture property is most likely deficient?

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Correct answer: A — Stability

The deficient property is **stability**. Retention concerns resistance to removal of a correctly seated denture, whereas stability concerns resistance to displacement or rocking under functional forces. The denture is retained when inserted but moves during chewing, so the problem is functional instability, commonly related to unfavourable horizontal or rotational forces, support, extension, or occlusal factors. Base thickness alone does not define this presentation. Balanced occlusion is generally intended to reduce destabilising forces rather than cause them. Lingual tooth position may affect stability if incorrect, but it is only one possible design factor and is not established by the stem. Inadequate frenal clearance more typically produces local ulceration or dislodgement during specific muscle movements.

Reference: Williamson RA, Williamson AE, Bowley J, Toothaker R. Maximizing mandibular prosthesis stability utilizing linear occlusion, occlusal plane selection, and centric recording. Journal of Prosthodontics. 2004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15032898/