Smart Removable Prostheses That Continuously Monitor Oral Tissue Pressure And Prevent Ulcer Formation.

Abstract

Smart removable prostheses represent a transformative advancement in prosthodontics by integrating digital sensing technologies with conventional denture therapy to improve patient safety, comfort, and long-term oral health. Traditional removable prostheses rely on periodic clinical assessments, which may fail to detect excessive tissue pressure before painful ulcers and mucosal injuries develop. Recent innovations in flexible electronics, microelectromechanical sensors, wireless communication, and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of intelligent dentures capable of continuously monitoring pressure distribution across oral tissues in real time. These systems provide valuable biomechanical data that facilitate early identification of high-risk pressure zones, allowing timely prosthetic adjustments and personalized treatment interventions before irreversible tissue damage occurs. Smart prostheses also support remote patient monitoring, data-driven clinical decision-making, and improved adaptation to changes in oral anatomy over time. The integration of advanced biomaterials, digital manufacturing technologies, and predictive analytics further enhances prosthesis performance, durability, and patient satisfaction. Although challenges remain regarding sensor durability, energy management, biocompatibility, data security, and clinical validation, ongoing technological progress is accelerating the transition toward intelligent prosthodontic devices. Smart removable prostheses have the potential to redefine preventive oral healthcare by minimizing denture-related complications, optimizing prosthesis function, and supporting precision prosthodontics through continuous, patient-specific monitoring and adaptive therapeutic strategies.