The neutral zone in complete dentures. 1976.

摘要

The neutral-zone approach to complete denture construction is neither new nor original but, rather, constitutes the bringing together of the concepts and ideas of many men into a viable and practical procedure.Over the past forty years, numerous articles which have touched upon or related to what we have termed the "neutral-zone concept" have appeared in the literature. Unfortunately, the profession generally has ignored these ideas, and consequently, the principles are frequently bypassed in denture construction.The two men who probably have contributed the most to these concepts are Wil-ford Fish and Russell Tench.2 Many others, including Perry and the Detroit Dental Clinic Club, have helped to advance and develop both the theoretical basis and practical procedures.Complete dentures are primarily mechanical devices, but since they function in the oral cavity, they must be fashioned so that they are in harmony with normal neuromuscular function. All oral functions, such as speech, mastication, swallowing, smiling, and laughing, involve the synergistic actions of the tongue, lips, cheeks, and floor of the mouth which are very complex and highly individual. Failure to recognize the cardinal importance of tooth position and flange form and contour often results in dentures which are unstable and unsatisfactory, even though they were skillfully designed and expertly constructed. The coordination of complete dentures with neuromuscular function is the foundation of successful, stable dentures.