Breaking the break: Metal-reinforced single maxillary complete denture for enhanced durability

The rehabilitation of completely edentulous arches – particularly when a maxillary denture opposes natural or fixed mandibular dentition – presents significant clinical challenges. A common complication in such cases is midline fracture of the maxillary denture due to excessive occlusal forces. This case report presents the oral rehabilitation of a 58-year-old male patient with a completely edentulous maxillary arch and a partially edentulous mandibular arch. Treatment involved the fabrication of a maxillary complete denture reinforced with a metal framework and a conventional mandibular acrylic removable partial denture. The patient had a history of repeated denture fractures and expressed dissatisfaction with previous prostheses due to poor fit and discomfort. To address these limitations, a metal denture base was incorporated in the maxillary prosthesis in place of conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), aiming to improve longevity, dimensional stability, retention, and patient comfort while minimizing residual ridge resorption. The clinical protocol included thorough examination, primary and final impressions, fabrication of a maxillary metal base, jaw relation recording, teeth arrangement, try-in, and final prosthesis insertion. The inclusion of a metal framework in the palatal region significantly enhanced the structural integrity and resistance to fracture, while maintaining esthetics and function. Post-insertion assessments revealed improved patient satisfaction, denture retention, and comfort. This case reinforces that metal-reinforced complete dentures serve as a reliable treatment option in patients prone to frequent midline fractures due to heavy occlusal loads, providing a durable, stable, and functionally superior alternative to conventional PMMA dentures.