Neutral zone approach and external impression for rehabilitation of macroglossia: a case report

ABSTRACT

Macroglossia is an obstacle in regard to general prosthodontic restoration. Not only is it difficult to obtain support and stability from dentures manufactured from normal protocol, obtaining efficacy from basic mastication is also difficult. In such cases, realizing harmony between the occlusion and surrounding muscle structures may be important with regard to manufacture of stable full dentures, and it is necessary to form the appropriate polished surface for this case. The neutral zone is defined as the potential area resulting from the neuromuscular function that results in equilibrium between the outward force exerted by the tongue and the inward force exerted by the lips and cheeks. The artificial teeth of the full denture lies in this area, and if the polished zone follows the anatomic form of the dynamic muscles, the movement of the muscles simply acts as an element of stabilizing the dentures improving the esthetics through facial support.