A short-term clinical follow-up study of superplastic titanium alloy for major connectors of removable partial dentures

Abstract

Statement of problem . Superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been used in the fabrication of a removable denture framework. The method provides the titanium alloy denture framework with excellent physical properties not seen in cast titanium prostheses. Purpose . This study describes the technical procedure for fabricating removable dentures with this type of framework and evaluates clinical applications of the dentures in short-term follow-up periods from 6 months to 3 years. Results . Results of this study demonstrated that the dentures functioned well and did not cause any major clinical difficulties. The patients have expressed satisfaction with the dentures at regular recall appointments. Conclusion . The clinical observations suggest that this method is suitable for fabricating titanium alloy removable dentures. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:583-7.)