Denture Tight Then Comfortable — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyProsthodonticsDenture Tight Then ComfortableORE Part 1

A patient has recently received a maxillary complete denture. It seats fully, but feels tight immediately after insertion and becomes comfortable within a few minutes. The fit surface, occlusion and posterior palatal seal are otherwise satisfactory. What is the most likely cause?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Slight overextension of the denture border

**A is correct.** A denture that feels tight on initial seating but settles after a short period most likely has a minor border overextension contacting mobile tissues. Denture borders should lie within the functional sulcus; extension beyond this limit can interfere with functional movements and cause discomfort or instability. The relevant examination finding is therefore transient tightness at insertion, not loss of retention or an occlusal complaint. **B** and **C** would more typically give poor retention or an easily dislodged maxillary denture. **D** would be expected to cause occlusal discrepancy, instability on closing, or functional problems. **E** can contribute to bulk-related discomfort or altered speech, but is less specifically associated with tightness that occurs only as the denture is first seated. In practice, assess the borders during functional movements and selectively relieve the overextended area.

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/