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BSc (Hons), BDS, FDS RCPS, FCGDent, MRD RCS Ed, MClinDent, FDS RCS(Rest Dent), FDTFEd, FFD RCSI, FHEA, Head of School, Director of Clinical Dentistry, Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth
This two-part series provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating definitive metal partial dentures, addressing the challenges dental practitioners face in mastering prosthesis design. Part 1 explores diagnostic procedures, indications for metal partial dentures, design principles, and surveying techniques. It emphasizes the understanding of biomechanical forces and discusses design principles such as support, retention and stability, along with the components that provide these functions in a metal partial denture. Decision algorithms for selecting various components are presented to guide clinical practitioners in efficient designing. The series aims to equip dental professionals with a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical methods for effective metal partial denture fabrication.
CPD/Clinical Relevance:
This series provides essential knowledge and practical techniques for designing and fabricating effective metal partial dentures.
Article
Conventional removable partial dentures continue to be a viable treatment option, even in the current dental scenario dominated by dental implants. This choice is influenced by factors such as patient-related systemic considerations, intra-oral factors, or cost constraints that may deter patients from choosing implants or other fixed alternatives. Removable partial dentures are available in diverse types,1,2 encompassing interim solutions as well as definitive options, which include both metal-based and metal-free alternatives.3 Among these alternatives, mastering the definitive prosthetic design and understanding the underlying principles has consistently posed a challenge for dental practitioners.
Historically, partial dentures were cast using the lost wax technique, leading to the term ‘cast partial dentures.’ However, recent advancements in fabrication, using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CADCAM), have introduced non-cast options.4 This shift makes the use of the term ‘metal partial dentures’ more appropriate than ‘cast partial dentures’. Despite the growing popularity of metal-free partial dentures with newer polymer materials,3 this series focuses specifically on discussing claspretained definitive (metal) partial dentures owing to their longstanding success. It is essential to note that the foundational principles of design and biomechanics for removable prostheses in partially dentate mouths remain consistent, whether the partial denture is metal or metal-free.
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