Dimensional Changes in Co-Cr Alloys and Titanium Framework of Removable Partial Dentures Evaluation of the dimensions of the dental clasps

Abstract

Removable partial denture are prosthetic solutions that replace missing teeth of partially edentulous patients, ensuring stomatognathic system functionality with affordable costs.The purpose of this study is to analyze the dimensional variations caused by the execution errors, which can lead to premature deterioration of the removable partial dentures and to conclude what sizes are deficient and can lead to the deterioration of the prosthetic part. The material involved in the present study was represented by the metal framework of 181 removable partial dentures. Of the total of 181 removable prosthetic parts, 88 were maxillary prostheses and 93 were mandibular prostheses. Measurements were made at the retentive arms, opposing arms, minor connectors, rests and junction areas between the body of the clasps and the active arms and studied compared to the edentulous classes. The results are focused on dimensional changes of both the retentive arms and the opposing arms of the clasps, which are roughly modeled in the first 3 edentulous classes, with a significant difference from those achieved in Kennedy`s 4th class edentulous, where these segments of the clasps are much shorter. Regarding the size of the rests, although their thickness approximates the values indicated in the literature, they do not fit into the occlusal relief of the tooth. The length of the retentive arms varies according to the classes of edentulous, the clinical situation, but also the size and type of the tooth (premolars, molars) on which the clasp is applied. Regarding the opposing arm, the observed differences cannot be correlated with the objective criteria of their achievement because the attention is directed towards the realization of the retentive arm.