What is a long-term consequence of wearing complete dentures?

The choice identifying resorption of maxillary bone from palatal to buccal as a long-term consequence of wearing complete dentures is correct because wearing complete dentures often leads to changes in the underlying bone structure. When natural teeth are lost and replaced with dentures, there is no longer the same stimulation for the bone that occurs with natural tooth roots during chewing. This lack of stimulation can lead to bone resorption over time, particularly in the maxilla. The resorption tends to occur in a direction where the buccal and palatal bone dimensions change, with buccal bone often resorbing more than palatal bone. This alteration can affect the fit of dentures and overall oral function.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe long-term consequences associated with complete dentures. For example, the inclination of molars is more related to occlusal relationships and dental arch integrity than the wearing of dentures itself. Infection may occur but is not a mandatory or regular consequence of wearing complete dentures; it depends on other factors such as oral hygiene. Lastly, while the mandible may undergo changes in shape and contour, significant expansion of the mandible is not typically a consequence of complete denture wear, as the primary concern is often resorption rather than