The mandibular swing-lock complete denture for patients with microstomia

Abstract

Regardless of cause, the treatment of an edentulous patient with microstomia is difficult and often ingenious. Prosthodontic treatment modalities previously described are reviewed. A new type of prosthesis, the collapsible mandibular swing-lock complete denture, is introduced. The prosthesis incorporates a cast cobalt-chromium framework with a lingual hinge and a conventional labial swing-lock. This combination allows the prosthesis to be collapsible while maintaining structural durability. Advantages include ease of insertion and removal while providing maximum coverage for support, retention, and stability. A stepwise technique for the clinical and laboratory phases is described.