The effect of increasing the morphologic face height in full denture restorations on the width of the intra-articular space in the temporomandibular joint

Abstract

In the present study an examination was made of the effect that an increase in the vertical dimension in accordance with the usual principles of full denture work can have on the width of the intraarticular space in the temporomandibular joint. The series consisted of 27 subjects that had previously worn dentures for at least 5 years and that subsequently received full upper and lower dentures. The denture treatment was carried out in accordance with accepted principles. In connection with the insertion of the new dentures a radiographic examination based on profile films and a serial tomogram was made with the old and then the new dentures in habitual occlusion. The morphologic face height and the width of the intraarticular space were measured on the films.

The results show consistently that the width of the joint space was not affected by considerable changes in the morphologic height of the face produced by the new dentures. High correlation coefficients were obtained for the relationship between the width of the intra-articular space with, the old and the new dentures. Thus, in case of a small joint space and the mandibular head in an unfavourable position in the articular fossa with the old dentures in the mouth, there was in most cases no improvement in the situation when the new dentures were inserted.

Key Words:

• Complete dentures
• temporomandibular joint