J Adv Prosthodont.  2013 Nov;5(4):409-415. 10.4047/jap.2013.5.4.409.

The impact of frenulum height on strains in maxillary denture bases

• Cilingir A
• Bilhan H
• Baysal G
• Sunbuloglu E
• Bozdag E

• KMID: 2176531
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2013.5.4.409

Abstract

PURPOSE
The midline fracture of maxillary complete dentures is a frequently encountered complication. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of frenulum height on midline strains of maxillary complete dentures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A removable maxillary complete denture was fabricated and duplicated seven times. Four different labial frenulum heights were tested for stresses occurring on the palatal cameo surface. The strains were measured with strain gauges placed on 5 different locations and the stresses were calculated. To mimic occlusal forces bilaterally 100 N of load was applied from the premolar and molar region.
RESULTS
A statistically significant association between the height of the labial frenulum and the calculated stresses and strains was shown (P<.05) predominantly on the midline and especially on the incisive papilla. The results showed that stress on the anterior midline of the maxillary complete denture increases with a higher labial frenulum.
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the stress on the anterior midline of the maxillary complete denture increases with a higher labial frenulum. Surgical or mechanical precautions should be taken to prevent short-term failure of maxillary complete dentures due to stress concentration and low cycle fatigue tendency at the labial frenulum region.

Keyword

Acrylic; Complete denture; Frenulum; Midline fracture; Strain gauge; Experimental stress analysis

MeSH Terms

Bicuspid
Bite Force
Denture Bases*
Denture, Complete
Dentures*
Fatigue
Molar
Palate

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Positions of the strain gauges on a maxillary complete denture.

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