In a case where one side of a complete denture contacts in centric relation (CR) and the other does not, what is a possible reason?

The correct answer highlights the possibility of dimensional changes during the processing of the complete denture. This can occur due to factors such as polymerization shrinkage, thermal contraction, or moisture loss when the denture is processed and finished. These changes may lead to discrepancies in the fit of the denture, causing one side to contact correctly in centric relation (CR) while the other side does not.

In prosthetic dentistry, achieving a proper fit is crucial because even minor dimensional changes can compromise occlusion and comfort for the patient. These processing changes are often unavoidable, especially if the materials used exhibit significant dimensional changes when cured or set. Understanding this allows practitioners to look closely at the processing steps to mitigate such issues in future denture fabrication.

The other options suggest various issues that could potentially contribute to occlusal discrepancies but do not align as closely with the situation described. For example, inadequate bite registration typically leads to discrepancies in the initial jaw relationship records rather than affecting the denture's fit after processing, while improper occlusal adjustments are generally addressed after the fabrication process is completed. Similarly, malformations in the denture base could lead to additional fit issues but are standalone problems rather than a result of the processing changes that inherently affect the dent