Enabling labs to produce 3D-printed flexible partial dentures.

Introduction. A flexible partial denture, as a treatment solution for partial edentulousness, is a current alternative in dental prosthetics, due to simplified design, aesthetic and biomechanical qualities of resin materials, that contribute to the favourable distribution of masticatory forces on the dental and mucosal support. Objective. This study aims to highlight the medical perception of Romanian dentists regarding the evolution of patients treated with flexible partial dentures. Material and method. The research was carried out over a period of two years (2017-2019), on a study group composed of 84 Romanian dentists. Subjects were asked to answer an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 14 closed questions, to outline frequently aspects encountered in practice related to the clinical evolution of the patient rehabilitated with flexible partial removable dentures. Outcomes. Patient comfort (76%) and higher aesthetic properties (54%) were the main reasons why dentists chose a partially flexible prosthetic for the prosthetic treatment of the patient. In the evolution of prosthetic patient, the main problems found at the partial flexible prosthesis were food pigment impregnation of the base (51%) and limited possibilities of repair (34%). Changes in maintenance, support, stability, aesthetic or possible fractures of base and clasps were seen by 46% of respondents, at approximately 1 to 2 years after the application of flexible partial dentures. Conclusions. Flexible partial prosthesis is a method of treatment, whose main advantages are represented by esthetics and superior adaptation of the patients, but because of the deficiencies that occur over time, it is better to be recommended as a provisional treatment solution.

The aim of this study was for estimation and comparism of masticatory efficiency in patient wearing heat cured acrylic and flexible base partial denture, finding out the role of peanuts and carrots on the measurement of chewing efficiency, and to find out whether the types of P.D. (being single or two opposing each other) has any effect on the masticatory performance. Materials and methods: Twenty partially edentulous patients were selected. Five of these patients were selected having Kennedy class I with no modification against natural dentition, other 5patients having Cl.I against Cl.I. The other 5 patients having Cl.III against natural dentition and the last 5 patients were with Cl.III against Cl.III. several ways were used for measuring masticatory efficiency including: number of chewing strokes, number of swallows, the mastication time, and measure the masticatory performance by sieving method. Differences between the means of the four groups were analyzed with t-test. Results: The differences between the two denture base types in total number of strokes was significant at (p<0.001) in study group (2,3,4), the study group (4)have the highest mean value of the total number of strokes for acrylic denture during chewing carrots food types(47.6)strokes. The highest mean value of the total chewing time is for the fourth group with the acrylic denture during chewing carrots (35.2 sec.), and the highest masticatory performance index was for the flexible denture in all study groups during chewing the two tested food. Conclusion: The flexible partial denture provide better chewing efficiency than heat cure acrylic partial denture, the masticatory performance was higher for flexible partial denture than heat cure acrylic partial denture, there was significant differences between carrots and peanuts in both flexible and heat cure acrylic partial denture, and patient with single denture show better chewing efficiency than patient with paired denture.

Conventional fixed partial dentures, implant supported Fixed Partial Dentures (FDPs) and removable partial dentures are the most common treatment modalities for the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients. Although implants and FDP have certain advantages over removable partial dentures, in some cases, removable partial dentures may be the only choice which is available. Removable cast partial dentures are used as definitive removable prostheses when indicated, but location of clasps may affect aesthetics. So, when patient is concerned about aesthetics, flexible partial dentures which is aesthetically superior to flipper and cast partial dentures, may be considered. But for the success of flexible removable partial denture, proper diagnosis, treatment planning and insertion technique of this prosthesis is very important, which have been thoroughly described in this article.

Background: Flexible partial dentures, a 50-year-old technology, have been underutilized in Nigeria despite their potential to transform patient care. Compared to conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs) made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and cast metal, flexible dentures offer improved comfort and durability. Although widely adopted in advanced countries, their use in Nigeria remains limited in the literature. Objective: To present our initial experience with flexible partial dentures in five patients with diverse clinical needs, and highlight their clinical indications, patient experiences before, and outcomes after treatment. Case Series: This case series outlines the clinical journeys of seven patients who transitioned from conventional acrylic dentures to flexible partial dentures due to issues such as poor fit, mucosal irritation, frequent fractures, and anatomical challenges. Each patient was carefully evaluated and fitted with customized flexible dentures that significantly improved comfort, fit, and functionality. The diverse cases illustrate how flexible partial dentures adapt to complex oral conditions and patient preferences, highlighting their practical advantages in a Nigerian clinical context Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the successful use of nylon-based materials in removable partial dentures with outcomes suggesting that flexible dentures offer a viable, patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods, supporting broader clinical application in resource-limited settings.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of partially edentulous elderly diabetic patients before and after wearing heat-cured acrylic resin and flexible partial dentures. BACKGROUND: In the past two decades, an increased concern about the effect of oral conditions on a patient’s quality of life leads to the development of a wide range of OHRQoL measurements. There is a necessity for evaluation required for setting the measurements that are recommended to be used for different needs of geriatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred partially edentulous bilateral free-end saddle diabetic elderly patients have been randomly selected from the outpatient clinics of the Excellence Centre at National Research Centre. Heat-cured acrylic resin partial denture and flexible removable partial dentures were made for all patients. General oral health assessment questionnaire was completed before and after wearing the two types of partial dentures. The criteria of assessment were speech, mastication and associated pain, esthetics and physiological status, and general life satisfaction and practicing daily activity. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant improvement regarding all aspects of OHRQoL after wearing both partial dentures for diabetic elderly patients. More improvement was observed after wearing the flexible one. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that OHRQoL in diabetic elderly patients was markedly improved by restoring edentulous spaces using flexible partial dentures than using heat-cured acrylic resin partial dentures.

The various treatment options for the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients are conventional fixed partial dentures, implant supported fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures. In some cases, removable partial dentures may be the only choice which is available other than implants and fixed partial denture. Removable cast partial dentures are used as definitive removable prostheses when indicated, but location of clasps is not aesthetically pleasant. So, when patient is concerned about aesthetics, flexible partial dentures which is aesthetically superior may be considered. But for the success of flexible removable partial denture, proper diagnosis, treatment planning, insertion, wearing and maintenance of this prosthesis is very important.

Teeth lost are usually replaced by all-acrylic removable partial dentures (RPD) because of its affordability and ease of fabrication. The all-acrylic RPD is said to cause significant periodontal injury and consequently affect the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of denture wearers. To determine and compare OHRQoL of all-acrylic and flexible RPD wearers at baseline and after use of dentures. Study was quasi-experimental using a cross-over design, involving 30 patients with Kennedy class IV and anterior class III arches. Patient recruitment and review were done over an eight-month period in the Prosthetic Unit of a tertiary health facility. OHRQoL was assessed with the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate analysis at asignificant level of p <.05. Mean age of patients was 33.8 ±10.0 years; at baseline, patient reported occasionally, fairly often or very often for 11(78.6%) OHIP items. However, after using the acrylic and flexible partial dentures, 11(36.6%) patients reported having trouble pronouncing words and 9(30.0%) found it uncomfortable to eat respectively. At baseline, there was a difference in mean OHIP scores with age (p=.02); scores reduced from 12.4 ± 9.8 to 4.8±5.3 (CI= 3.3-12.0, p=.001) after using the all-acrylic denture and 3.8±5.6 (CI= 4.3-13.0, p<.001) with the flexible denture. There was improvement in the OHRQoL of patients with use of flexible partial dentures. Therefore, thermoplastic materials are possible alternative RPD base materials in patient management. None declared.

Background and objectives: Cobalt chromium removable partial denture has been in use for years and despite of the advantages that cobalt chromium provides, it has many disad‐ vantages. In the recent years flexible removable partial denture has been introduced to dentistry with many advantages over cobalt chromium removable partial denture . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cobalt chromium and flexible removable partial denture on chewing activity and muscle efficiency. Methods: Ten patients were selected, all of them had completely edentulous maxilla and Kennedy Class I partially edentulous lower arch. eight male and two females with their ages ranging from 45 to 60 years. For each patient, an upper complete denture and two lower removable partial dentures (cobalt chromium and flexible) were constructed. Once the dentures were completed, muscle efficiency with the use of Electromyography and chew‐ ing activity by sieving method was performed in scheduled visits. Statistical analysis of data was achieved by means of (SPSS 25). And performing (independent sample T test, one‐way anova test, and multiple comparison Tukey test). Results: The chewing activity test, revealed a statistically significant difference (P&lt; 0.05) between first and fourth visit concerning the flexible partial denture and improvement of chewing, for the cobalt chromium removable partial denture although there was improve‐ ment of chewing but it was not significant. Regarding the muscle efficiency test, this test revealed that there was no major significance between flexible and cobalt chromium re‐ movable partial denture and they are almost the same, but we can notice improvements of muscular efficiency specially in masseter muscle. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it has been concluded that the muscle efficiency is improved within one month of insertion of both types of removable partial denture . Both flexible and cobalt chromium dentures increased muscle efficiency. Flexible removable partial denture increased chewing activity slightly better than cobalt chromium, while cobalt chromium was marginally better at chewing of hard food comparing to flexible denture.

Background: Prosthodontic services have changed markedly due to an introduction of new materials, techniques and treatment options. The aim of this study were to identify the type of materials and the methods used by dental practitioners in their clinics to construct conventional complete dentures and to specify the type and design for removable partial dentures (RPDs); and to then compare them with those taught in dental schools. Materials and methods: A total of 153 dental practitioners in Sulaimani city completed a written questionnaire. The questionnaire included 19 questions regarding complete and RPDs fabrication. Results: Most of the practitioners provide complete dentures (81.6%) and RPDs (95.3%) in their clinics. Polyvinyl siloxane 38.4% and irreversible hydrocolloid 37.6% impression materials were most commonly used to make the preliminary and zinc oxide eugenol 52% for final impressions. The majority of participants did not disinfect their impressions (73.9%). In order to establish the vertical and centric relations, different methods were used. Many practitioners depend on dental technicians to determine the post-dum area (42.4%) and all of them faced different problems during fabrication of the complete denture. Acrylic RPDs were the main type of RPDs provided (89.7%), followed by flexible partial dentures (70.5%). The minority constructed cast metal RPDs (18.4%). Conclusions: Private practitioners did not perform most of the techniques nor use the procedures or materials that are being taught in dental schools. There is a need for continuing dental education programs for improving their clinical skills. Moreover reassessing of the prosthodontic curriculum of the related dental schools is required.

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.

Partially edentulous patients need treatment to restore missing teeth and surrounding structures. Partial dentures are mode of treatment for replacing some of the missing teeth in either arch. Partial dentures are made of variety of materials. Some are made of only acrylic material and some are metal framework with acrylic extensions to replace missing teeth. Recently flexible materials are in use to fabricate tooth supported prosthesis. These materials has advantage over conventional metal and acrylic dentures as there is no metal clasp around the tooth, they are more retentive giving life like prosthesis and are translucent by which they match the color of underlying mucosa.It is seen that patient acceptance is more for flexible partial dentures as they are less likely to cause mucosal irritation and pain.

Restoration of partial edentulous mouth may be done using a variety of treatment options. Removable partial denture (RPD) is commonly used because of its availability. RPDs from flexible resins unlike those from acrylic engage hard and soft tissue undercuts and feel more comfortable in the mouth. The aim of the study was to compare satisfaction with dentures made from these two types of materials. It was a quasi-experimental study among thirty patients at the Prosthetics Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Patients aged 16 years or more, requiring RPDs with one to three missing teeth in the anterior region of either the upper or lower arch participated. A modified semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics and oral health variables. The level of satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistics at a significance level of P < 0.05. The participants' ages ranged between 16 and 51 years, mean age was 33.8 ± 10.01 years. Male: female ratio was 1:1 and mean duration of edentulousness was 11.37 ± 10.52 years (median - 9.50). Most 28 (93.3%) subjects delayed replacement of their missing teeth; reasons were indifference 13 (43.4%), financial constraint 10 (33.3%), ignorance 4 (13.3%) and fear of aspiration 1 (3.3%). Overall, 21 (70.0%) participants were more satisfied with the flexible dentures, 6 (20.0%) with acrylic dentures while 3 (10.0%) were equally satisfied with both types of dentures (P = 0.04). Subjects were more satisfied with the flexible RPD than the acrylic resin RPD.

Tooth loss due to orofacial trauma could alter mastication, speech, and aesthetics of the patient which affect the patient's quality of life. After the acute phase of trauma has ended, further treatment is to restore the function and aesthetics by using protheses. Some treatment options are available, one of them is removable partial denture (RPD). Materials of RPD vary from cast metal, acrylic resin with metal clasp, and flexible thermoplastic resin. Cast metal and acrylic resin RPDs include a rest component to transfer the occlusal load toward the axis of abutment tooth, in order to provide support. Meanwhile, flexible partial denture has no rest components, which makes this prothesis lack of support. This condition may in turn affects the periodontal tissue. This article aims to restore the ideal design of RPD by using rest components to maintain periodontal health. A 23-year-old patient complains that her previous denture does not feel comfortable. She wore flexible removable denture for the past 5 years after she got an accident that makes her lost 3 of her teeth. From the objective examination, she lost 23, 24, and 25 teeth. Gingival recession was seen in tooth 26, bone resorption was seen in mesial tooth 26, negative palpation, inter occlusion was fine. The diagnosis of the patient is Edentulous Class III Kennedy. The treatment is redesigning the RPD into acrylic resin with clasp. The result is that this new prothesis functions well in patient. In conclusion, ideal design of RPD results more benefits for periodontal tissue.

Statement of the problem: Flexible denture is usually chosen by patients whom esthetics is their top priority, who refuse preparation of the abutment teeth or who have allergy to the metal. Patients are looking for restoring their lost teeth. However, the purpose of denture construction should involve the maintenance of the surrounding tissue health. Aim of study: to correlate the type of denture base with the distribution of masticatory forces through examining the histological changes in the alveolar mucosa. Methods: 12 partially edentulous patients with the same missing teeth were selected from Prosthodontics outpatient clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. 6 Patients received metallic partial denture while the rest received flexible partial denture. 2 smear biopsies were taken on the day of delivery and 6 month after denture insertion, stained with PAP and examined histologically to assess the number of keratinized cells. Results: by Using paired-t-test it show that both types of denture bases altered alveolar mucosal keratinization but there was a significant difference in number of keratinized cells among pretreatment, after-metallic, and after-flexible denture insertion. Flexible partial denture showed thinner and less keratinized epithelium. Conclusion: Any prosthetic restoration placed in the oral cavity will induce some mucosal changes .The biocompatibility of the prosthesis with oral tissue should be considered in addition to patient’s and dentist’s preference

Purpose: To evaluate clinically and radiographically the effect of flexible acrylic clasp and framework versus metal in on abutment teeth in implant modified distal extension cases. Methods: eighteen participants with mandibular class I partially edentulous arches modified by posterior implants opposing edentulous maxilla were allocated by simple randomization into three groups according to the removable partial denture material as follows; metal framework with RPA clasp (G1), all flexible partial denture (G2) and metal framework with flexible clasp (G3). Clinical parameters of teeth abutments with radiographic outcome of teeth/implant abutments were investigated and compared for the three groups. Results: gingival crevice fluid volume, pocket depth and periotest values were significantly increased in all groups but comparison revealed more increase in G2 and G3. While radiographic abutment crestal bone changes were statistically significant in G1 compared to the other groups. Distal implant did not show significant differences in marginal bone level between groups. Conclusions: Flexible acrylic clasp challenge abutment tooth hygiene and may be a risk for future periodontitis. The traditional metal framework removable partial dentures, with RPA clasp, exceed the rest-less flexible clasp and transmit more masticatory loads to abutment teeth and in turn less preservative to surrounding alveolar bone. The hybrid design that combined a metal framework and acrylic flexible clasp and denture base may be a viable alternative when aesthetics are of primary concern and should include metal rest component.