What adjustment might improve a patient's comfort with their RPD?

Improving a patient's comfort with their removable partial denture (RPD) often involves making specific occlusal adjustments. Occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth come together when biting. If the occlusion is off, it can lead to discomfort, pain in the jaw or teeth, and potential issues with chewing. By making precise occlusal adjustments, the dentist ensures that the forces exerted during biting and chewing are distributed evenly, which enhances comfort and function.

Many times, discomfort arises when the occlusion is too high or too low in certain areas, resulting in uneven pressure during mastication. By carefully adjusting the occlusion, the dentist can alleviate these pressure points, leading to a more comfortable experience for the patient. This process may involve reshaping the occlusal surfaces or adjusting the alignment of the RPD to achieve balance.

In contrast, adjustments for aesthetics focus on the visual appearance of the denture, changing the color affects aesthetic appeal but does not influence comfort, and increasing the thickness of the base could potentially create discomfort rather than resolve it. Hence, occlusal adjustments are directly associated with improving the patient's day-to-day experience with their RPD.