The mandibular swing-lock complete denture for patients with microstomia.

Regardless of cause, the treatment of an edentulous patient with microstomia is difficult and often ingenious. Prosthodontic treatment modalities previously described are reviewed. A new type of prosthesis, the collapsible mandibular swing-lock complete denture, is introduced. The prosthesis incorporates a cast cobalt-chromium framework with a lingual hinge and a conventional labial swing-lock. This combination allows the prosthesis to be collapsible while maintaining structural durability. Advantages include ease of insertion and removal while providing maximum coverage for support, retention, and stability. A stepwise technique for the clinical and laboratory phases is described.