A Review: Flexible Removable Partial Dentures

Abstract

In an era of implants and fixed prosthesis, removable partial dentures are still a treatment of choice for a wide range of patients and clinicians. As every other treatment option, removable prosthesis also has some disadvantages. But with introduction of flexible partial dentures, many of the disadvantages of conventional acrylic and cast partial dentures are taken care of. This article discusses about the material used in fabrication, indications and compares the flexible partial dentures with other removable partial denture options along with design and insertion technique of the flexible removable partial dentures. I. Introduction: The choice between several treatment options for replacing missing teeth is influenced by clinical, dentist- and patient-immanent factors. Replacement of missing teeth is one of the most important needs for patients attending clinics to restore esthetics and/or function. Many treatment modalities are available for replacing missing teeth; removable partial denture, fixed partial denture or dental implant. Each modality is a possible treatment option and has its own advantages and disadvantages. Removable partial dentures became popular many decades ago with the introduction of acrylic polymers and chrome cobalt alloys in dentistry. Many patients choose removable partial dentures due to factors ranging from cost to psychology. Dr. Walter Wright (1937) introduced Polymethyl methacrylate as a denture base material which became the major polymer to be used. Since ages, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has been used to fabricate the dentures. Metal cast / metal frame / metal base dentures are also fabricated to restore the defects. Some of the problems with acrylic are difficult to address, such as insertion in undercut areas, brittleness of methyl methacrylate which leads to fracture, and allergy to methyl methacrylate monomer. In the recent times flexible removable partial dentures have become quite popular. Though search for the ideal option is still on, here is a review of viable option for replacing missing teeth known as flexible dentures.