Principles of Removable Partial Denture Design

Echano, Alerie E. DMD-2B

 5 principles to be considered during the fabrication of removable partial denture. They are: The dentist must have a thorough knowledge of both mechanical and biologic factors involved in RPD design. Treatment plan must be based on a complete examination and diagnosis of the individual patient. A dentist must examine the existing oral condition and do necessary modifications before designing RPD. A RPD should restore form and function w/out injury to the remaining oral structure. A RPD is a form of treatment and not a cure.

FACTORS INFLUENCING DESIGN

Which arch is to be restored with the RPD: o Orientation of the occlusal plane o Space available for restoration of missing teeth o Occlusal relationship of remaining teeth o Arch integrity o Tooth morphology Response of oral structures to the previous stress,periodontal condition of remaining teeth, the aount of abutment support remaining. Whether denture will be entirely tooth supported.

 Whether denture will be entirely tooth supported. If one or more distal extension bases are involved, consider: o Clasp designs that will best minimize the forces applied to the abutment teeth during function. o Secondary impression method to be used o Need for indirect retention o Need for later rebasing Need for abutment tooth modifications or restorations Type of major connector indicated

Materials to be used Type of replacement teeth to be used Patients past experience with a RPD Method to be used for replacing single tooth or missing anterior teeth. (Fixed restoration or RPD)

OF STRESSES TRANSMITED TO ABUTMENT TEETH

Length of edentulous span: -The longer the edentulous span, the longer will be the denture base and greater will be the force transmitted to abutment tooth. Quality of support of ridge: - Large, well-formed ridges are capable of absorbing greater amounts of stress than knife-edge ridges/ Response of oral structures to previous stress. Occlusal relationship of the remaining teeth and orientation of occlusal plane.

 Qualities of a clasp -A flexible retentive clasp arm decreases the stress that will be transmitted to the abutment tooth but provides less horizontal stability. Clasp design -A clasp should be passive when completely seated on an abutment tooth. Length of the clasp -Doubling the length increases flexibility of clasp arm; Decrease stress on the abutment tooth. Material used in clasp construction Abutment tooth surface