Functional Recording of Maxillo-mandibular Relationship Using Neutral Zone Technique- a Case Report

One of the most challenging cases dentists face is the rehabilitation of atrophic mandibular residual alveolar ridges. Such ridges present with a multitude of problems such as decrease in the denture foundation, retention and stability. Instability of denture bases can also give rise to an error in the maxillo-mandibular registrations. The neutral zone concept aims at the construction of complete dentures in the potential denture space, which ensures optimal denture contours and physiological arrangement of denture teeth as determined by the patient’s oral musculature, to enhance the stability and function of the prosthesis. This article presents a classical technique of recording the patient’s neutral zone with an improvised clinical step to record the patient’s maxillo-mandibular relation functionally. This technique can be practised routinely in cases of atrophied mandibular residual ridges to provide the patients with optimal complete denture therapy. Key Words: Neutral zone, resorbed mandibular ridges, maxillo-mandibular records, denture stability