Effects of complete denture wearing on the head posture and posterior airway space: A cephalometric study

Background/purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the vertical and sagittal maxillomandibular relationship and differences in the natural head posture related to posterior airway changes in complete denture wearers using cephalometric radiographs. Materials and methods: Thirty-five complete denture wearers were evaluated cephalometrically at 3 stages. Cephalograms exposed in the natural head position at rest without a prosthesis (T-0), at rest with complete dentures (T-1), and in centric occlusion (T-2). Various postural and morphological landmarks were individualized on the radiographs. Results: Changes in the occlusal vertical dimension were associated with statistically significant alterations in head posture; from T-0 to T-1 extension of the head, from T-1 to T-2 flexion of the head, and cranial extension between T-2 and T-0 were significant (P <0.001). Posterior airway dimensions significantly decreased from T-0 to T-1 and T-1 to T-2 (P <0.001). The analysis of repeated measurements and Friedman tests were used to compare differences, and P values of <0.05 were considered significant. Conclusion: Airway protection maintenance with extension and flexion of the head is vital because any rehabilitation involves the head and neck region. Correlation coefficients indicated significant changes in dynamic measurements of the natural head position related to complete dentures. Immediate head extension and alterations of posterior airway dimensions were observed following airway obstruction because of the insertion of complete dentures. The significant changes found in the study should help practitioners understand the mechanisms of craniofacial and cranio-vertical features before planning massive rehabilitations that reduce the oral cavity space. Copyright (C) 2011, Association for Dental Sciences of the Republic of China. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.