Robert M. Morrow

Tooth-supported complete dentures: An approach to preventive prosthodontics

Abstract The concept of tooth support for complete dentures permits the dentist to assume a significant role in preserving natural teeth and supporting structures. In many instances, teeth that would otherwise be removed can be maintained to help support complete dentures. Frequently, only one natural tooth can successfully help support a denture. A method for constructing tooth-supported complete dentures has been described, and the advantages and disadvantages have been discussed. Tooth-supported complete dentures are a valid approach to preventive prosthodontics and a valuable part of the practicing dentists armamentarium.

Tooth-supported complete dentures: Description and clinical evaluation of a simplified technique

I t has been estimated1 that twenty million Americans are totally edentulous and ten million more are edentulous in one arch. Nearly two thirds of all Americans over the age of 75 years are edentulous. In one study* of the reasons for removal of teeth in an oral surgery practice among middle-income families, 20 per cent were clinically sound teeth but removed for “prosthetic” reasons. These statistics indicate a need for increased efforts in preventive dentistry by all members of the dental profession in order to significantly reduce the number of persons who become edentulous. Patients with many teeth that are hopeless are often candidates for complete dentures. They may, however, have 1, 2, or 3 retainable teeth. Frequently, these few teeth are removed because they are considered inadequate to support partial dentures, and complete dentures are constructed. However, such patients can benefit from tooth-supported complete dentures.

Fluorescent photoanthropometry: A method for analyzing mandibular motion

M andibular motion has been studied and photographically recorded by Kurth,l+ Posselt,5 Schweitzer, 6* 7 Rudd,8 and Ahlgreng and various techniques were used. Most photographic techniques for recording jaw movements involve the attachment of indicator spheres to the maxillary and mandibular dental arches. The paths produced by these indicators during functional or simulated functional jaw movements are recorded on film for study and analysis. However, the inherent limitations of conventional photographic techniques preclude both accurate linear measurements and determination of parameters such as velocity, accleration, and the area of the envelope of motion.

Quarterback Mouth Guards: Speech Intelligibility and Player Preference

In brief: Five mouth guard designs were made for 18 high school and university quarterbacks. The mouth guards were evaluated for speech intelligibility when the players called representative signals. Speech intelligibility was significantly better with custom mouth guards constructed on a cast of the players dental arch than with the self-adapted mouth guards. All quarterbacks preferred the custom mouth guard with occlusion and restricted palatal coverage for use during the season.

Maxillary appliance for controlled radium needle placement

Abstract Dentists may be called upon to provide appliances which, because of their unique nature, require departures from the usual fabrication procedures. Construction of a treatment appliance for selected placement of radium needles in the treatment of a malignant lesion of the hard palate was described. t;∗∗

Do Mouth-Formed Mouth Guards Meet the NCAA Rules?.

In brief: The arch lengths of the maxillary casts of 413 university football players were measured and compared with the arch lengths of 12 types of mouth-formed mouth guards to determine how closely each type of mouth guard conformed to NCM rules. The study found that, for a significant number of university football players, currently available mouth-formed mouth guards are not large enough to meet the NCAA rules and that a population of black athletes has a significantly larger mean arch length than a population of racially mixed athletes. The largest mouth-formed mouth guard met the NCAA rule for only 5.5% of football players of a predominantly black team.

Some uses of fluorescence in prosthodontics.

Abstract Current uses and possible applications of fluorescence in dentistry have been described. In prosthodontic research, functional and nonfunctional mandibular movements were photographed by the fluorescent method with still and motion picture equipment. The use of these films as instructional aids facilitates the understanding of the dynamics of jaw movement. In nondestructive testing of dental restorations, fluorescent disclosing solutions revealed minute surface defects that were otherwise invisible to the naked eye. These solutions can also be used to assess the effectiveness of denture cleansing agents. For dental education, the applications included fluorescent charts, blackboard illustrations, and slide captions. The use of fluorescent paints on specified areas of the occlusal surfaces of dental casts produces instructional aids that are extremely effective in teaching the dynamics of occlusion. Other applications of fluorescence in dentistry are limited only by the imagination of the user.

Premedication: An aid in obtaining accurate complete denture impressions

Abstract Defects in complete denture impressions resulting from the effect of palatal mucus secretion were discussed. Various methods for minimizing the defects were reviewed. A method requiring the administration of an antisialogogue in conjunction with mouth rinses and gauze packs was presented. The combination procedure minimizes effectively the defects due to mucus secretions by: (1) suppressing ordinary secretion (Pro-Banthine and ice water), and (2) removal of excess mucus secretions from the oral cavity with an astringent mouthwash.

Technique for constructing denture-support bearings

Abstract Methods for constructing denture-support bearings and the corresponding waxing tool have been described. The technique is well within the capabilities of dental laboratory technicians, with the laboratory equipment usually available.

Increasing visual impact of color transparencies with fluorescent materials.

Abstract A technique for making visually stimulating color transparencies from fluorescent materials is described. Artistic color transparencies of exceptional brilliance complement presentations and contribute materially to the achievement of teaching objectives.