Free-end saddles

Question 1

Problems with free-ended saddles

Answer 1

Denture support is differential - mesial is tooth supported, distal is mucoperiosteal supported - need increased mucocompression of distal = resorption = tilting

Uncomfortable

Abutment teeth at risk - occlusal loading, plaque retentive

Question 2

General principles for overcoming problems

Answer 2

Avoid free-ended saddles where possible - accept shortened dental arch

Recall, maintenance, good OHI

Maximise mucosal support - full denture bearing area (altered cast technique)

Maximise tooth support

Question 3

Ideal occlusal scheme?

Answer 3

Maximise natural tooth contacts
Shorten functional occlusal table
Eliminate interferences in excursive movements

Question 4

What is the altered cast technique?

Answer 4

Mucocompressive impression of saddle area taken after framework construction

Question 5

How to do altered cast technique

Answer 5

Framework will have acrylic special tray adde to free-ended saddles, zinc oxide eugenol added to these
Place framework in and apply pressure to areas where framework contacts teeth

This creates an impression and a saddle in the mucocompressed state = retention

Question 6

-ves of altered cast technique?

Answer 6

Impression taken whilst compressing with fingers = rebound

Always compressed = resorption