Technique for preparation of parallel guiding planes for removable partial dentures

Abstract

The successful treatment of partially edentulous patients with removable partial dentures (RPDs) depends on many factors, including careful treatment planning and design of the RPD followed by clinical and laboratory techniques. To obtain a single path of placement, increase stability, establish retention, and protect the abutments from displacement, the use of parallel guiding planes has been recommended. Guiding planes are defined as ‘‘vertically parallel surfaces on abutment teeth oriented so as to contribute to the direction of the path of placement and removal of a removable partial denture.’’ It is therefore essential to accurately transfer the parallel guiding planes achieved on the diagnostic casts to the natural teeth. Preparing guiding planes intraorally may be technically demanding. Despite the fact that several different techniques for preparing parallel guiding planes have been suggested, guiding planes prepared intraorally may be divergent, possibly reducing the retention of the RPD. The technique described in this article aids the clinician in preparing parallel guiding planes to satisfy the biomechanical needs of the RPD design. The laboratory and clinical procedures for preparing parallel guiding planes are described.