Contributors / Institution - Country

Assoc. Prof. V. Anastassiadou / School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Prof. F. Müller /  Geneva, Switzerland

Prof.  A. Pissiotis / School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Title

Denture design attributes on food management and mastication patterns in the elderly

Duration 4 hours

In view of the large proportion of advanced age individuals who rely on conventional complete dentures for oral management of food worldwide an understanding of how successful management of food appears to be influenced by the quality of denture design is essential.

The understanding of physiology of mastication will lead to a more rational complete denture design approach in terms of achieving the ultimate outcome providing rational dietary approaches and finally the maintenance of health.

Provision for the denture fit to the underlying edentulous mucosa is a first step to achieve maximum retention, stability and support that will enhance mastication. An impression technique that will account for the anatomic allowances and limitations is necessary for this purpose.

The patterns of jaw movement and the sequence of mastication process in complete denture wearers are explored in relation to the interaction of food physical attributes and occlusal forces such as tooth to food contact which results in successful management of food until swallowing, and the degree to which the rhythmic tongue to cheek pushing activity contributes to transport the food along the occlusal plane as the bolus is formulated until digestion.

The selection of an occlusal scheme along with the appropriate posterior teeth, that will favor the individual conditions of each patient and will comply with the jaw movements and the sequence of mastication process will also be discussed and demonstrated.

The suggested program is as following:

1. Profiling the edentulous patient and assessment of needs and expectations
2. Physiology of mastication. Dietary and nutritional needs
3. Implementation of the impression technique of the denture bearing tissues
4. Patterns of jaw movement and the sequence of mastication of complete denture wearers
5. Occlusal schemes and the rational for their selection
6. Assessment of the treatment outcome