de Sa e Frias V, Toothaker R, Wright RF. Shortened Dental Arch: A Review of Current Treatment Concepts.
J Prosthodont 2004;
13:104-10. [PMID:
15210006 DOI:
10.1111/j.1532-849x.2004.04016.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed that dentition has ceased to be a predominant selection factor in the process of human evolution. With differentiation and reintegration of the human species, gross differences in the morphology and physiology of the stomatognathic system have become apparent. Variability and adaptation of this system have proven that deviations from what may be considered ideal are not pathologic but may, in fact, prove to be a range of normality in this general pattern of evolution. The treatment of patients according to inflexible postulates may be detrimental to the individual patient and the concept of a variable and patient-specific optimal dentition should be considered, especially in the context of the shortened dental arch.
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