ORE Part 2 Prosthetics & Dentures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most common cause of denture stomatitis (Newton Type II)?
- Candida albicans infection under the denture (Correct answer)
- Poorly fitting denture only
- Allergy to acrylic
- Bacterial plaque accumulation
Correct answer: Candida albicans infection under the denture
Denture stomatitis is predominantly caused by Candida albicans colonising the fitting surface of the denture and inflaming the underlying mucosa, especially with overnight wear.
Question 2: When recording the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) for a complete denture, which clinical sign is used?
- Freeway space (rest vertical dimension minus OVD = 2–4 mm) (Correct answer)
- Maximum mouth opening
- Ridge form assessment
- Phonetic 'S' sounds only
Correct answer: Freeway space (rest vertical dimension minus OVD = 2–4 mm)
Freeway space (interocclusal rest space) of 2–4 mm is the difference between RVD (rest position) and OVD; this guides correct vertical dimension for complete dentures.
Question 3: What is the neutral zone in complete denture construction?
- The zone where muscular forces from lips, cheeks, and tongue are balanced (Correct answer)
- The area of maximum ridge resorption
- The occlusal plane reference position
- The posterior palatal seal area
Correct answer: The zone where muscular forces from lips, cheeks, and tongue are balanced
The neutral zone is the space in the edentulous mouth where the inward forces of cheeks and lips are balanced by the outward force of the tongue, guiding denture tooth position.
Question 4: Which occlusal scheme is most commonly prescribed for complete dentures?
- Balanced occlusion (Correct answer)
- Canine guidance
- Group function
- Mutually protected occlusion
Correct answer: Balanced occlusion
Balanced occlusion (bilateral balanced articulation) is the most appropriate complete denture occlusal scheme, providing stability during excursive movements by maintaining contacts on both sides.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of posterior palatal seal in a complete upper denture?
- Maintain peripheral seal and retention (Correct answer)
- Prevent over-extension posteriorly
- Aid in pronunciation
- Reduce palate coverage
Correct answer: Maintain peripheral seal and retention
The posterior palatal seal (post dam) creates a continuous seal at the junction of the hard and soft palate, preventing air entry and improving denture retention by suction.
Question 6: What clinical sign indicates that the occlusal vertical dimension has been set too high in a new complete denture?
- Clicking teeth on speaking and reduced freeway space (Correct answer)
- Difficulty chewing only
- Denture appears too large aesthetically
- No visible signs
Correct answer: Clicking teeth on speaking and reduced freeway space
If OVD is excessive, the freeway space is reduced or absent, causing teeth to contact during speech (clicking), muscle fatigue, and temporomandibular joint discomfort.
ORE Part 2 Prosthetics & Dentures 1
What is the most common cause of denture stomatitis (Newton Type II)?