Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

If a denture patient complains of cheek biting, what is likely the problem?

1. The denture is too loose

2. The posteriors are overextended

3. The posteriors are edge to edge

4. The anterior teeth need adjustment

The correct answer is: The posteriors are edge to edge

When a denture patient experiences cheek biting, one of the primary reasons can be that the posterior teeth are set in an edge-to-edge relationship. This alignment can cause the patient's natural buccal mucosa, particularly in the area of the cheeks, to be inadvertently brought into contact with the biting edges of the denture's posterior teeth during mastication or speaking. This situation leads to increased pressure and potential trauma to the soft tissue, often resulting in discomfort or ulcers. In the context of denture fit and function, the positioning of the posterior teeth is crucial. If they are placed in an edge-to-edge relationship, it disrupts the normal occlusal balance and can lead to uneven force distribution when the patient is chewing. This misalignment could easily cause the cheeks to be pinched or bitten, especially during functional movements. Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing the importance of proper occlusion and denture design, which aims to prevent such issues and ensure the comfort and functionality of the dentures for the patient.