Problems with partial dentures that lack properly constructed metal frameworks

Every abutment tooth (patient’s natural tooth) that supports a saddle (fake teeth) must be supported by a metal rest (part of frame located on biting surface of back teeth or on tongue side of front teeth) to prevent the partial from settling. If properly constructed rests are missing, the long term affect created by their absence is illustrated in (slide 1.)

1.) Impingment and discomfort to the surrounding periodontium, (gums)

2.) Gaps will develop between the denture and natural teeth and

3.) The clasps on the most distal abutments will begin to disengage the undercuts and rests will develop gaps underneath. (Partial will not stay in the mouth)

What’s more important to the patient is that the settling will affect aesthetics by creating spaces between the denture and the patients own teeth. Models produced in slides 2 and 3 are of an actual case showing such settling.

Partials that are made out of thermoplastic material (no metal rests or reinforcement) as shown in slides 4 & 5, will also experience the same type of settling. After the newly constructed partial made out of thermoplastic material is delivered to the patient, the softness of the material and no metal visibility may satisfy both the doctor and patient even if the appliance is distorted. However without ridged metal rests that are needed to stop the partial from settling, in time the denture teeth of the thermoplastic partial will loose contact with the opposing and the partial will become a non-functional appliance.

By Arvid Saunaitis

Former dental lab owner

Arvid Saunaitis is a former dental lab owner, educator, publisher, researcher, inventor, and now an author. With more than 25 years of experience, he has developed techniques that better integrate crowns, bridges, and implants with the removable sector of dental technology. He has been published in newspapers and dental journals around the world, and was broadcasted on radio and television. You can learn more about him on You Tube at http://youtu.be/BHF3icrUoe8or by visiting his web site at http://tometalk-erudite.blogspot.com