Dental OSCE 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When a patient reports that one side of their denture contacts before the other, it is indicative of an issue related to the occlusion and fit of the denture. Dimensional changes during curing can indeed lead to discrepancies in how the denture fits against the opposing arch, resulting in uneven contact.

During the fabrication of dentures, the materials used can undergo dimensional changes as they cure. For example, heat or specific chemical reactions can cause the acrylic resin to shrink, which may lead to a change in occlusal plane alignment or uneven distribution of occlusal contacts. If one side of the denture shrinks more than the other, this can lead to a situation where there is premature contact on one side as the denture doesn't settle evenly into the soft tissues of the mouth.

Understanding the impact of these dimensional changes is crucial for ensuring that dentures are adequately adjusted and that they provide a balanced occlusion across the entire dental arch, promoting proper function and comfort for the patient. Regular adjustments may be needed to compensate for these changes and ensure even contact throughout the denture.