Handles on custom trays for complete denture master impressions

Abstract

Handles on complete denture trays have two main purposes: (1) they aid in the development of proper lip contours, and (2) they enable manipulation of the tray during impression making. To help in the development of proper lip contours, the handle for the maxillary tray should simulate the position of the maxillary anterior teeth. The handle should have no horizontal portion because this inhibits proper manipulation of the lip during impression making. A slight depression in the labial and lingual surfaces of the handle aids in holding onto the tray as it is inserted or removed from the mouth (Fig. 1). Some dentists place finger stops over the crest of the ridge hi approximately the first molar region on the mandibular tray. These are placed to allow the tray to be held in place without movement or sliding during the maldng of the master impression. Finger stops are made so that a portion is small and sharp, and to help judge the amount of pressure being applied. While malting an impression with such a tray, a problem with fracture of the tray in the premolar region may occur. This article presents an alternative procedure to form a handle to approximate the occlusal plane.