Controlling Pressures During Complete Denture Impressions

Abstract

Pressures produced during a final impression have been discussed from the standpoint of where they should be applied and where they should be reduced. Areas of the edentulous mouth requiring little pressure are: the palate, residual ridges, and areas of easily displaced gingiva. More pressure is needed in the border seal, on the buccal shelf, and against the retromylohyoid fossa. A tray with relief space and escape holes and a border molded with modeling plastic has been shown to meet the requirements for selective pressure application. Zinc oxide paste is the final impression material of choice in most instances. Technical aspects of tray construction and the manipulation of modeling plastic were described in detail.