Effect of the lingual ledge of neutral zone impression on the retention and stability of mandibular complete denture in elders with atrophied alveolar ridge

objectiveThis study examined the effect of lingual ledge on complete denture retention and stability for atrophied mandibular ridge.MethodsTen elders complaining from the retention of mandibular denture were included in this study. Two sets of complete dentures were fabricated for each elder, one with lingual ledge and the other without lingual ledge. For standardization, these complete dentures were fabricated according to neutral zone technique but the difference between the 2 sets of dentures was denture base contours and the presence or absence of lingual ledge. Dentures retention and stability was recorded using force gauge at insertion and after 6 weeks. Data were analyzed to determine statistical equivalent of the retention and stability between these 2 different complete dentures using the SPSS.ver.17 and paired t-test (α = 0.05).ResultForce gauge prosthesis retention and stability measurements showed that the 2 different complete dentures were not statistically equivalent, with the complete denture include lingual ledge demonstrating the greater retention and stability.ConclusionWithin this study, lingual ledge developed during physiologic recording the denture space enhances the mandibular denture retention and stability. Also, with the time there is improvement in the denture retention and stability.