The significance of neutral zone technique on complete denture retention

Abstract

The aims of this study are to evaluate retention, differences between the level of occlusal plane, and patient's response to esthetic, speech, and masticatory efficiency, in patients using two sets of complete dentures [blind treatment] for one month, one was constructed in natural zone (neutral zone technique), and the other in conventional technique. Twenty-five completely edentulous patients, with age range (55-70) years were selected clinically with special criteria. Measurements of load required to dislodge (100) dentures were done using load apparatus. The levels of occlusal plane of (50) mandibular dentures were measured by using digital vernea. Results of mean square analysis of the neutral zone technique showed highly significant differences at (1%) level, the load required to dislodge mandibular denture done by the neutral zone technique was higher than that done by conventional technique (415.32gm). The differences between the level of occlusal plane done in both techniques ranged between (2.22mm and 2.47mm). The blind trail of treatment done showed (92-100%) acceptance with complete dentures done by neutral zone technique. This technique helps dentists, patients, and technicians to solve problems of sever resorption of alveolar bone, by increasing retention, stability, masticatory function, esthetic value, simplicity of construction, and time saving.