Cheek biting in complete dentures is primarily a result of what condition?

• A. Increased vertical dimension
• B. Teeth having large cusp inclines
• C. Reduced overjet of posterior teeth
• D. Improperly aligned arches

Answer: (C)

Cheek biting in individuals wearing complete dentures is primarily linked to a reduced overjet of posterior teeth. The overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower teeth. In complete dentures, if the posterior teeth are positioned too far buccally or if there is an inadequate overjet, the chances of the cheeks being bitten during normal jaw movements increase. This occurs because the lack of proper spacing causes the cheeks to come into contact with the teeth more than they should, leading to discomfort and potential injury.

While other factors, such as the vertical dimension or alignment of the arches, can contribute to overall denture fitting and patient comfort, a reduced overjet specifically plays a direct role in the mechanics of cheek biting. In proper denture design and fitting, ensuring that the overjet is adequate helps to mitigate such issues by allowing for natural movements without unwanted contact with oral tissues.