Digital workflow for the fabrication of foldable complete dentures in microstomia: A case report
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Sibel Dirier, Hamit Serdar ÇÖTERT
IP Annals of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, Uluslararası, 2026, cilt 12, ss 114-117
DOI: 10.18231/j.aprd.15725.1780314738
Özet
Background: Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis, vascular dysfunction, and multisystem involvement. Oral manifestations such as microstomia, reduced tongue mobility, and perioral tissue fibrosis, significantly complicate prosthetic rehabilitation. Conventional clinical procedures may not be performed, or complete dentures cannot be inserted due to restricted mouth opening. These circumstances necessitate alternative treatment strategies.Case Presentation: This report presents the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis, who exhibited severe microstomia. Considering the limited oral aperture, a conventional complete denture design was deemed impractical. Instead, a foldable complete denture was fabricated using a digital workflow (Trios 5 intraoral scanner, 3D-printed resin casts, and digital record bases). The prosthesis was sectioned to facilitate insertion and removal, and a collapsible mechanism was achieved using stainless-steel watch strap hinges. This design allowed the patient to insert and remove the prosthesis without trauma while maintaining acceptable retention, function, and phonetics. At the 6-month follow-up evaluation, the patient was able to use the prosthesis comfortably, with satisfactory functional outcomes and high patient-reported satisfaction, without any major complications.Conclusion: The application of digital technologies to the fabrication of the collapsible dentures offers a practical and patient-centered solution for individuals exhibiting microstomia. This approach simplifies impression making, enhances prosthesis adaptability, and improves patient comfort. Collapsible dentures should be considered as a viable treatment option in patients with restricted mouth opening due to connective tissue disorders. The favorable short-term clinical outcomes observed in this case further support the effectiveness of this approach in improving function, comfort, and quality of life.