Neutral zone concept applied in implant-supported mandibular complete denture treatment of a retrognathic patient

Abstract

This case report demonstrates the neutral zone technique for oral rehabilitation of patient with severe retrognathism, who had a previous implant-supported complete denture with improper relationship between artificial teeth and oral structures. A new mandibular screw-retained implant-supported complete denture was made base-on neutral zone principles to give to the patient a comfortable and functional prosthesis. The nonfunctional position of artificial teeth in complete denture may impair in oral functions such as speaking, swallowing, smiling, as well as loss of denture retention and stability, discomfort, and injuries to oral soft tissues. Neutral zone concept aids to produce complete denture more suitable, once it harmonizes the prosthesis to anatomic structures. In implant-supported complete dentures, retention and stability problems are not a concern. However, in some situations, nonfunctional artificial teeth position causes oral lesions, discomfort, and phonetics problems. Although neutral zone is a technique developed for conventional complete denture, it can be useful in implantology.