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A 6‐year follow‐up study of oral function in shortened dental arches. Part II: Craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort *
Author(s) -
WITTER D.J.,
HAAN A.F.J.,
KÄYSER A.F.,
ROSSUM G.M.J.M.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2842.1994.tb01150.x
Subject(s) - dentures , medicine , dentition , dentistry , dental arch , removable partial denture , molar , orthodontics
Summary In this clinical 6‐year follow‐up study subjects with shortened dental arches (SDA, n = 55), characterized by the absence of molar support, are compared with subjects with complete dental arches (CDA, n = 52) with respect to items concerning craniomandibular dysfunction and oral comfort. In addition, a small group of subjects with SDA and removable partial dentures in the lower jaw (SDA + RPD, n =19) is included in this study. Oral comfort is defined using the following criteria: (i) absence of pain and distress, meaning the absence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction; (ii) chewing ability; and (iii) appreciation of the appearance of the dentition in relation to absent posterior teeth. Additionally, complaints about the free‐end RPD are described. It is concluded that: (i) a SDA (consisting of 3–5 occlusal units, OU) is not a risk factor for CMD and is able to provide long‐term sufficient oral comfort; and (ii) free‐end RPD (in the lower jaw) in SDA do not prevent CMD and do not improve oral function in terms of oral comfort.