Purpose?
Planning mainly removable restorations.
← All explanationsFunctional impression
Why am I asked to move my lips or cheeks during an impression?
A functional impression records denture-supporting tissues and their movable boundaries under defined conditions. For removable restorations in particular, the interaction of the borders with the cheeks, lips and tongue matters. It helps shape a denture base; it is not a test for a jaw-joint disorder.
For training & practice ↓
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Record the supporting area
The future base rests on mucosa. The shape and condition of this area are considered during planning.
Include movable boundaries
Guided movements or gentle manipulation of the tissues help record the borders. The precise procedure depends on the impression approach.
Check the fit in the mouth
The impression provides a basis for making the restoration. Retention, sore areas and function still need checking after it is fitted.
Read the full explanation
Record the supporting area
The future base rests on mucosa. The shape and condition of this area are considered during planning.
Include movable boundaries
Guided movements or gentle manipulation of the tissues help record the borders. The precise procedure depends on the impression approach.
Check the fit in the mouth
The impression provides a basis for making the restoration. Retention, sore areas and function still need checking after it is fitted.
Notes on the teaching images
- Laboratory illustration of an edentulous jaw: a functional impression considers mobile borders as well as shape.
- Lip, cheek and other movements can influence border form. Their actual function is not visible in this still image.
- The aim is a suitable basis for the restoration. Fit, pressure areas and function still require intraoral checks.
At a glance
What happens?
Tissues and border movements are recorded deliberately.
Afterwards?
Check the fitted restoration and any discomfort.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Functional impression and jaw-function assessment
This procedure concerns a denture base and its borders. Examining jaw joints and chewing muscles addresses different questions.
Quick answers
Is this the same as a preliminary impression?
Not quite. A preliminary impression mainly provides an overview of existing shapes. A functional impression particularly considers the supporting tissues and movable borders.
Does it guarantee a firm-fitting denture?
No. Anatomy, saliva, muscles and the whole design influence retention. Even a careful impression cannot guarantee a particular degree of adhesion.
What should I mention during the procedure?
Report pressure, pain, gagging or difficulty with a requested movement. This allows the procedure to be adapted; uncomfortable symptoms should not be endured silently.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which tissues and movements matter particularly for the borders of my restoration?
Does a denture hurt or loosen during particular movements? Describe when this happens as precisely as possible.
Have denture fit checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Denture-bearing area
- The tissues on which the denture base rests.
- Functional border
- The base margin adapted to adjacent moving tissues.
- Border moulding
- Controlled recording and shaping of an impression or denture boundary.
Make the distinction
This procedure concerns a denture base and its borders. Examining jaw joints and chewing muscles addresses different questions.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.