Technique for making flexible impression trays for the microstomic patient.

This impression technique can be used for patients in whom routine use of stock impression trays is hindered by microstomia. Putty wash material can be manipulated with minimal effort and time. Placing the completed preliminary impression in a free-flowing mix of dental stone stabilizes the impression material and facilitates boxing and pouring of the impression. The resultant preliminary casts can then be used for diagnostic purposes and for making rigid sectional trays for final impressions.

Enhanced retention for the distal extension-base removable partial denture using a heat-cured resilient soft liner.

Replacement of the conventional heat-cured acrylic resin with a soft durable liner in the retromylohyoid eminence areas allows the patient to manipulate the distal extension-base mandibular RPD into place without traumatizing the soft tissue. With maximum coverage of the edentulous ridges, the semiflexible flange minimizes food entrapment and improves the retention and stability of the RPD. The procedure can be accomplished during the initial processing of the RPD or when relining the prosthesis. We have also used the technique for overdentures and for improving retention in the maxillary anterior extension-base RPD where anterior clasping was not esthetic or was insufficient.