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Prosthodontics

Complete Denture Steps in OSCE Style

Clean, structured steps to present the complete denture workflow in exams.

Quick Answers

What is the first step in complete denture fabrication?

Primary impressions — usually with stock trays and alginate.

What is the jaw relation record used for?

To register vertical dimension and centric relation before tooth setup.

When do you perform a try-in?

After jaw relations, to verify esthetics, phonetics, and occlusion.

What do you adjust at delivery?

Pressure spots, occlusion, retention, stability, and patient comfort.

1. The complete denture workflow — examiner expectation

OSCE stations on complete dentures test your ability to present a simple, predictable sequence from diagnosis to delivery. The goal is structure, not complicated prosthodontic terminology.

2. Step 1 — Examination and diagnosis

Start with the basics. Examiners love when you show you're thinking clinically before jumping to impressions.

  • Medical and dental history
  • Soft tissue assessment
  • Residual ridge form
  • Saliva quantity/quality
  • Existing dentures (fit, occlusion, esthetics)

3. Step 2 — Primary impressions

Taken with stock trays, usually alginate.

Exam points

Extend to all vestibules
Capture key landmarks
Avoid overextensions or voids

4. Step 3 — Custom tray and border molding

Border molding shapes the functional periphery of the denture.

  • Use greenstick compound or PVS heavy body.
  • Ask patient to perform functional movements.
  • Trim excess and capture final extensions.

5. Step 4 — Final impressions

Aim for muco-static or muco-compressive technique depending on philosophy.

  • ZOE paste
  • Medium-body PVS
  • Light-body for detail

6. Step 5 — Jaw relation records

Record vertical dimension and centric relation using wax rims.

Jaw relations checklist

Establish VDO
Record CR
Mark midline, smile line, canine lines
Select tooth mould/shade

7. Step 6 — Try-in appointment

Evaluate tooth setup before final processing.

  • Esthetics: lip support, midline, smile line
  • Phonetics: “F”, “S” sounds
  • Occlusion and vertical dimension

8. Step 7 — Denture processing

Typically heat-cured acrylic processed in the lab.

9. Step 8 — Delivery

Adjust and stabilise the prosthesis on the day of delivery.

Delivery checklist

Pressure spots
Occlusion
Retention & stability
Speech
Cheek/tongue comfort
Post-op instructions

10. Step 9 — Review

Schedule follow-up in 24–48 hours and again at 1 week.

11. How DentAIstudy helps

DentAIstudy can convert any prosthodontic topic into:

  • Exam-ready denture flow steps
  • Checklists for impressions, jaw relations, and try-in
  • Structured OSCE explanations
  • High-yield flashcards for denture design

Try Study Builder →

References

  • Zarb GA, Hobkirk J, Eckert S, Jacob R. Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients.
  • GPT-9 Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms.
  • Prosthodontics exam frameworks from ORE, ADC & NDEB.