The influence of maxillary dentures on mid-facial fracture patterns

The presence of upper arch dentures modifies fracture patterns occurring in mid-facial trauma. The fracture patterns of 16 upper denture wearers suffering maxillary fractures were retrospectively studied. Mid-facial fractures in this group were predominantly of the Le Fort I type and in 14 patients demonstrated an atypical fracture path with a vertical fracture passing from the main Le Fort I fracture to the inferior orbital rim. Full upper arch dentures generally protected the upper alveolus from fracture but, where there was discontinuity of the prosthesis, alveolar fractures mirroring the edge of the denture as it crossed the alveolar region were seen. These findings should alert the clinician to the possibility of unusual maxillary fractures in denture wearers and aid our understanding of fracture patterns in the mid-facial skeleton.