CDT Complete Denture Fabrication Flashcards

What is the purpose of a custom tray in complete denture fabrication?

Answer: To create a close-fitting tray that produces a more accurate final impression

A custom tray is fabricated to the individual patient's ridge, enabling a uniform thickness of impression material and more accurate final impression.

What does 'freeway space' (interocclusal distance) refer to in complete denture prosthodontics?

Answer: The space between the posterior teeth when the patient is at rest, minus the occlusal vertical dimension

Freeway space is the difference between the rest vertical dimension and the occlusal vertical dimension, typically 2–4 mm in complete denture patients.

What is the primary function of a wax occlusal rim (bite rim) during complete denture fabrication?

Answer: To record vertical dimension, centric relation, and lip support for tooth arrangement

Occlusal rims allow the dentist to record jaw relationship records and establish the correct vertical dimension and anterior tooth position.

What articulator movement is recorded by a facebow transfer?

Answer: The spatial relationship of the maxillary arch to the temporomandibular joints

A facebow records the position of the maxillary arch relative to the hinge axis of the TMJ so the articulator mimics the patient's jaw movements.

Which factor most commonly causes a complete denture to lose retention over time?

Answer: Residual ridge resorption reducing the tissue-bearing area

Progressive bone resorption under the denture reduces the intimate contact between the denture base and the tissue, reducing suction and retention.

What is 'centric relation' in the context of complete denture fabrication?

Answer: The most retruded, unstrained position of the mandibular condyles in the fossae

Centric relation is a reproducible, bone-supported jaw position used to set complete denture teeth when no natural teeth guide occlusion.