Hollow maxillary denture-A new ray of hope for resorbed ridges

Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, and are worn by the patient for considerable period of time. The dentists skill lies in applying the principles of retention, stability and support efficiently in critical situations. Severely atrophic ridges provide decreased retention, support, and stability and pose a clinical challenge to the success of complete denture prostheses. The severely resorbed maxillary and mandibular edentulous arches that are narrow and constricted with increased interarch space provide decreased support, retention and stability. The consequent weight of the processed complete denture only compromises them further. Technological advancements have resulted in dentures that are lightweight, mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. This article highlights on a technique for the fabrication of a hollow maxillary complete denture in situation where there is excessive resorption of the maxillary residual alveolar ridge. This technique greatly reduces the weight of an exceptionally heavy maxillary denture. Whenever weight of a denture may be a contributing factor to the successful resolution of a patient’s problem, the hollow denture should be considered.