Effects of complete denture wearing on the head posture and posterior airway space: A cephalometric study†

Abstract

Background/purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the vertical and sagittal maxillomandibular relationship and differences in the natural head posture related to posterior airway changes in complete denture wearers using cephalometric radiographs. Materials and methods: Thirty-five complete denture wearers were evaluated cephalometrically at 3 stages. Cephalograms exposed in the natural head position at rest without a prosthesis (T 0 ), at rest with complete dentures (T 1 ), and in centric occlusion (T 2 ). Various postural and morphological landmarks were individualized on the radiographs. Results: Changes in the occlusal vertical dimension were associated with statistically significant alterations in head posture; from T 0 to T 1 extension of the head, from T 1 to T 2 flexion of the head, and cranial extension between T 2 and T 0 were significant (P < 0.001). Posterior airway dimensions significantly decreased from T 0 to T 1 and T 1 to T 2 (P < 0.001). The analysis of repeated measurements and Friedman tests were used to compare differences, and P values of <0.05 were considered significant. Conclusion: Airway protection maintenance with extension and flexion of the head is vital because any rehabilitation involves the head and neck region. Correlation coefficients indicated significant changes in dynamic measurements of the natural head position related to complete dentures. Immediate head extension and alterations of posterior airway dimensions were observed following airway obstruction because of the insertion of complete dentures.

Head Posture and Postural Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Who Use Dentures

“…In this study, the mean duration of denture use was 12.64 years. There is a positive functional association between the muscles of mastication and the activation of neck muscles [ 34 ]. This study also indicates that denture use may be associated with neck muscle weakness and FHP [ 35 ].…”

Spirometric Assessment of Impact of Complete Dentures on Respiratory Performance: An in vitro Study

“…Correlation between various cephalometric variables and morphology of face along with the relationship of cervical and orofacial areas have been a topic of current research for the past few decades. [8][9][10] Hence, we planned the present study to assess the impact of complete dentures on the functioning of the respiratory system. In the present study, we analyzed a total of 100 subjects and evaluated the effect of various oral conditions [with and without dentures (WODs)] on the respiratory performance (Graph 1).…”

“…Further, posterior positioning of the tongue occurs by wearing of complete denture due to its high thickness, which further results in collapsing of pharyngeal airspace. 8 It was intended by Carossa et al 13 to evaluate whether edentulism may affect spirometric measurements. In a total of 58 edentulous subjects, they recorded spirometric values in with denture and WOD conditions.…”

Influence of Denture Palatal Contouring on the Oropharyngeal Space in Complete Denture Wearers: A Cross-Over Radiographic Study

“…According to previous studies, the change in pharyngeal airway space may be a result of concentric collapse of the hypopharynx or collapsed lateral oropharyngeal walls, tongue, and soft palate against the posterior wall of the pharynx (5,15) .…”

“…In addition, the genioglossus muscle that is the pharyngeal dilator muscle, has an important anatomical location and function in reducing the upper airway patency (4) . Such reduction in pharyngeal space may be reversible by complete denture insertion (5) . Functionally, the genioglossus activity is well maintained in normal individuals during wakefulness as well as while asleep (4) .…”