EFFECT OF SPLIT PACKING METHOD ON RETENTION OF MAXILLARY COMPLETE DENTURE (IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDY)

Abstract

The dimensional change of maxillary complete dentures remains a problem that may affect retention. The problem is multi-factorial and cannot be totally eliminated. Several methods were proposed to control these changes in order to keep them as minimum as possible. In the present study, a complete split packing method was investigated. The aim was to evaluate the retention of the obtained dentures clinically. 10 edentulous patients were selected; each received 2 heat cured acrylic maxillary dentures that were identical in every aspect except packing method. One maxillary denture was conventionally cured and the other was cured as two split halves that were reassembled by self cure resin. The dentures were examined for retention using a digital force gauge. The results favored the split method, so the second phase of the study was conducted. The aim of the second phase was to evaluate the accuracy of fit at the posterior palatal seal area in vitro using travelling microscope. 10 identical maxillary casts were obtained from a rubber mould. The casts were randomly divided into two groups. Identical maxillary dentures were constructed over these casts. The dentures constructed for the first group casts were split packed, while those for the second group were conventionally packed. The discrepancies at the posterior palatal seal area revealed for group I were significantly less than group II. The clinical and in vitro results suggests that the split packing method of acrylic dentures produces better maxillary denture in terms of posterior palatal seal discrepancies and clinical retention.