Innovation of removable partial denture with esthetic clasp assembly: A Case Report

Abstract

In removable partial dentures, clasp retainers made of metal alloys are not esthetically pleasing for the patients especially in the esthetic zone. This case report aims to evaluate the effect of esthetic clasp retainers for removable partial denture patients. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a ketone-based semi-crystalline thermoplastic material which has been proved to have excellent mechanical and chemical properties and biocompatibility. This material can be used for patients who dislike metal display of retentive clasps and the denture framework. In this case report, PEEK clasps were fabricated by CAD/CAM technology to create tooth-colored esthetic clasps and occlusal rests of a removable partial denture for a 25-year old female patient with partially edentulous mandible (Kennedy Class III modification 1). After final prosthesis delivery, the patient was highly satisfied (Satisfactory Rate – 92.86%) as there was no metal exposure of the clasps. At 3months and 6months follow-ups, no change of any clasp was observed and her masticatory performance assessed by Xylitol color changeable chewing gum was score 9 out of 10. From this case report, we could conclude that innovation of RPDs with PEEK clasps in place of Cobalt- chromium clasps can restore masticatory function with better esthetic results.