Conventional Removable Partial Dentures Research Articles

Replacing Maxillary Posterior Teeth by Cast Partial Denture and Mandibular Arch by Tooth Supported Overdenture: A Case Report

In situations where a fixed prosthesis is not recommended, a conventional removable partial denture is a therapy alternative. In contrast to conventional removable partial denture , cast partial denture has several designs with RPI and Clasp assembly. On the other part, the overdenture is advisable to those older individuals who have few teeth left and want to retain teeth due to it’s firmness. The dentures are more stable when roots are maintained beneath the denture base. Moreover, denture retention is improved by using metal copings on the remaining teeth. This clinical report details the technique that fabricates cast partial denture holding the posterior molars of maxillary arch with a tooth supported overdenture with post preparation with 33 and 43.

Clinical evaluation of a one-piece polyetheretherketone removable partial denture fabricated using a novel digital workflow: A self-controlled clinical trial.

To explore the clinical application of one-piece polyetheretherketone (PEEK) removable partial dentures (RPDs) fabricated using a novel digital workflow and to evaluate their weights and fits in vivo and patient satisfaction. Fifteen cases with posterior partially edentulous situations were selected, and each patient received two types of RPDs, including a novel digital workflow (test group) and a conventional workflow (control group). For the test group, one-piece RPDs were designed through three-dimensional (3D) methods by scanning stone casts and fabricated by milling PEEK discs. Each RPD was weighed. The gaps between the oral tissue and RPDs in each group were duplicated using a polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) replica and measured by 3D analysis. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction. Paired t-tests were used to compare the differences in the weight, the gaps of each RPD, and VAS values between the two groups. One-way analysis of variance tests was used to compare the differences in the gap among different components in each group. The RPD in the test group weighed less than that in the control group (p<0.01). No statistically significant differences in the gaps of denture bases and rests (p>0.05) were found between the two groups, but the gaps of major connectors in the test group were significantly smaller than in the control group (p<0.05). The VAS scores for comfortableness and masticatory efficiency were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05) but the scores for the aesthetic appearance of the clasps in the test group were significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). One-piece PEEK RPDs manufactured using a novel digital workflow weighed less than conventional RPDs and exhibited a clinically acceptable internal fit. Although the aesthetic appearance of the PEEK clasps was superior to the control, there is still room for improvement.

Treatment of Distal Extension Edentulous Arches with Attachment Retained Cobalt Chromium Partial Dentures-A Case Report

Background: The awareness and demand for quality of dental treatment is relatively increasing in recent generation and more so, as far as aesthetics are concerned, along with other functions of the prosthesis. In treating partially edentulous mouth, it requires more attention, principally for esthetics, in design. While achieving the goal, the components which are incorporated in removable partial denture may result in unsightly appearance. Case Description: A 77 year old patient reported to the replacement of his missing teeth for which a conventional maxillary complete denture and cast removable partial denture with precision attachments were planned to construct. Extra coronal resilient attachment was planned to re-claim support and thereby regain of lost esthetics in the mandibular arch. Conclusion: Use of precision attachment has amplified the aspects of retention and particularly, esthetics when compared to conventional removable partial dentures.

Clinical Protocol for Implant-Assisted Partial Removable Dental Prostheses in Kennedy Class I: A Case Report

Patients with Kennedy Class I are usually treated with clasp-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) as the prosthetic gold standard. For additional stabilization of the RPD, clinicians are often confronted with the question of secondary implant placement, which requires the fabrication of new prostheses. This case report is part of an ongoing multi-center randomized controlled study (RCT) investigating conventional RPDs without and with supplementary implants. A design of the RPD framework, including matrix housings, is crucial to enable subsequent implant retention or support. Ultra-short implants (Straumann TL 4.1 × 4 mm) offer the opportunity for additional support and retention in the edentulous posterior region, where bone availability is often reduced. This future-oriented and minimally invasive approach with virtual treatment planning and guided implant surgery offers the possibility of simplified functional and cost-effective aftercare.

What Is the Best Tooth-Supported Attachment System for Distal-Extension Removable Partial Dentures? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

To evaluate the published literature on tooth-tissue supported removable partial dentures (RPDs) and determine the attachment system that provides the best clinical outcome. A comprehensive search of studies published up to November 2021 was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The study protocol was approved and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42021268449). The PICO question was, 'What is the best attachment system used in Kennedy class I and II removable partial dentures?' The search identified 871 articles, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. The evaluation period in the studies ranged from 3 to 282 months. A total of 1,357 patients were included, of which 526 used prostheses with attachments. The mini SG attachment (extracoronal) was the most commonly used attachment, and the survival rate ranged from 37% to 98.1% in 10 studies, with no significant differences between the systems. Among the 10 studies selected for quantitative analysis, the meta-analysis revealed an overall failure rate of 16.6% (95% CI: 10.4% to 25.4%) and heterogeneity of I² &#61; 65.725 (q value: 26.258, P &#61; .002). Clinical studies comparing different attachment systems for rehabilitation are lacking. Our findings suggest that attachment-retained RPDs have good retention and better esthetics than conventional RPDs, and the extracoronal attachment system is the most viable choice for treatment at the free end.

The use of artificial intelligence and game-based learning in removable partial denture design: A comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to compare student performance in removable partial denture (RPD) design during a pre-clinical RPD course with and without using a recently developed computer software named AiDental. Additionally, student perceptions associated with the use of this software were assessed. The AiDental software consists of a learning environment containing an RPD design system that automatically designs RPDs based on the user's input. The software also contains an RPD game component that compares the user's RPD Design to an automatically generated RPD ideal design. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, pre-clinical second-year dental students who participated in the study were randomly divided into two groups: The AiDental group with AiDental software access (n=36), and the conventional group without software access (n=37). Both groups received conventional RPD instruction and practice, however, the AiDental group had additional access to the AiDental software. After 2 weeks, both groups took a mock practical test, which was collected and graded by the principal investigator (PI). The PI was blinded from group assignment and no identifying information was used in the mock practical. In phase two, all students were granted access to the AiDental software for the remainder of the pre-clinical course duration. At the conclusion of the course, all students were given a survey to evaluate their perceptions of the AiDental software. Descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed. Variables related to perceptions of both the AiDental designer and game were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation test, the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test as appropriate. In addition, a thematic analysis of the responses to the optional comments section was conducted using the Braun and Clarke method. Phase one results showed that subjects in the AiDental group were more likely than subjects in the conventional group to receive a final grade of A or B. Phase two results showed generally favorable student perceptions towards the software, and additionally, the results showed that age was significantly negatively correlated with ease of use of the software, improving decision-making, and critical thinking relative to RPD design choices. However, no correlation between age and using the software as a reference were noted. The use of AiDental's automated feedback and gamification techniques in RPD education had a positive effect on student grades and it was well-liked by students. Thus, the results suggest that AiDental has the potential to be a useful adjunct to pre-clinical teaching.

Acoustic speech analysis of CAD/CAM and conventional Kennedy class IV removable partial dentures

Background/aim Phonetics is an important function of the oral cavity that can be affected by partial or total loss of teeth. This study aimed to examine the influence of the partial denture’s construction technique (conventional and CAD/CAM) on speech quality through acoustic analysis of sound production of letters S, Sh, T, and D using sound analysis software. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 20 patients aged from 25 to 50 years having maxillary anterior teeth loss (Kennedy class IV classification). The patients were randomly categorized into two groups: group I received conventional removable partial dentures (RPDs), while group II received CAD/CAM RPDs. Acoustic speech analysis of the selected letters (S, Sh, T, and D) of the delivered RPDs was assessed and analyzed using ANSYS sound software and SIL speech Analyzer, 1 and 3 months after denture insertion. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t test and independent t test. Results Group II showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the acoustic pronunciation of the selected letters, in the follow-up period from denture insertion to 1 month after, while for the follow-up period from denture insertion to 3 months there was insignificant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the acoustic pronunciation of the S, Sh, and T sound compared to group I. Within group I and group II separately, they revealed significant difference for all the measured parameters except for VOT/(D) which was insignificantly different. Conclusion RPDs constructed by CAD/CAM technology have a more precise fit of the chrome–cobalt framework with a high quality of sound production even at the time of denture insertion.

Oral health–related quality of life of conventional removable partial dentures, unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures, and shortened dental arch with 2- or 3-tooth unilateral distal extension tooth loss in the mandible: A randomized, crossover, clinical trial

Statement of problemConventional removable partial dentures with metal clasps are still a common option for patients with distal-extension tooth loss. However, unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures fabricated by using a thermoplastic denture base resin are increasingly being used. Furthermore, the shortened dental arch concept remains controversial, in spite of being advocated for many years. Nevertheless, these treatment options remain controversial, particularly in patients with the loss of a few distal teeth unilaterally. PurposeThe purpose of this randomized, crossover, clinical trial was to investigate the oral health–related quality of life of participants who requested a new dental prosthesis (unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures or conventional removable partial dentures) at a private practice. Material and methodsA 3-period, randomized, crossover design was used in a within-subject, controlled, clinical trial. Twenty-four participants (mean age 59.0 years [7 men: 62.6 {45–85} years; 17 women: 57.5 {24–75} years]) were enrolled. All experimental procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of Nagasaki University Hospital (#15022313) and registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry (ISRCTN49105064). All participants were fully dentate in the maxilla and had unilateral distal-extension loss of 2 or 3 teeth in the mandible. Participants were allocated to 1 of 6 groups and treated with prescribed options in accordance with their allocated sequences and used a dental prosthesis or nothing for 2-week periods. At the end of each intervention, the participants were asked to answer the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire. Differences in Oral Health Impact Profile scores among groups were estimated with a mixed-effects model (α=.05). ResultsTotal Oral Health Impact Profile scores were higher for unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures (P=.002) and shortened dental arch (P=.049) than for conventional removable partial dentures, with medium and small effects. The unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures had a similar effect compared with shortened dental arch (P>.05). unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures (P=.011) and shortened dental arch (P=.005) demonstrated medium effects in the oral function dimension compared with conventional removable partial dentures. Unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures exhibited large and medium effects in the orofacial appearance dimension compared with conventional removable partial dentures (P=.001) and shortened dental arch (P=.006). In the orofacial pain dimension, shortened dental arch showed effects similar to those of conventional removable partial dentures and unilateral nonmetal clasp dentures (P>.05), and no significant differences were observed in the psychosocial impact dimension (P>.05), but the unilateral nonmetal clasp denture score was lower than the conventional removable partial denture score, with a small effect. Men had significantly lower total Oral Health Impact Profile scores for shortened dental arch than women (P=.033). ConclusionsUnilateral nonmetal clasp dentures and shortened dental arch were better than conventional removable partial dentures for the oral health–related quality of life of individuals with unilateral distal-extension tooth loss in the mandible, and sex had a significant effect on removable prosthetic planning.

Stress Distribution Pattern in Mini Dental Implant-Assisted RPD with Different Clasp Designs: 3D Finite Element Analysis.

Introduction The removable partial denture (RPD) components, especially the retentive arm, play a major role in the loading characteristic on supporting structures. Objective To evaluate and compare the effect of different clasp designs on the stress distribution pattern, maximum von Mises stress, and average hydrostatic pressure on abutment teeth, as well as edentulous ridges, mini dental implants (MDIs), and peri-implant bone between the conventional removable partial denture (CRPD) and mini dental implant-assisted distal extension removable partial denture (IARPD) using a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). Materials and Methods 3D FEA models of mandibular arches, with and without bilateral MDI at the second molar areas, and Kennedy class I RPD frameworks, with RPA, RPI, Akers, and no clasp component, were generated. A total of 200 N vertical load was bilaterally applied on both sides of distal extension areas, and the stress was analyzed by 3D FEA. Results The stress concentration of IARPD with RPI clasp design was located more lingually on abutment teeth, MDI, and peri-implant bone, while the other designs were observed distally on the supporting structures. The maximum von Mises stress on the abutment root surface was decreased when the RPDs were assisted with MDIs. The CRPD and IARPD with the Akers clasp design showed the highest von Mises stress followed by the designs with RPA and RPI clasp, respectively. The average hydrostatic pressure in each group was in approximation. Conclusion The placement of MDIs on distal extension ridges helps to reduce the stress concentration on denture supporting structures. The maximum von Mises stress is affected by the different designs of clasp components. The CRPD and the IARPD with RPI clasp provide the least stress on supporting structures.

Oral health-related quality of life of patients rehabilitated with fixed and removable implant-supported dental prostheses.

Dental implants have become a mainstream treatment approach in daily practice, and because of their high survival rates over time, they have become the preferred treatment option for prosthetic rehabilitation in many situations. Despite the relatively high predictability of implant therapy and high costs to patients, patient perceptions of success and patient‐reported outcome measures have become increasingly significant in implant dentistry. Increasing numbers of publications deal with oral health‐related quality of life and/or patient‐reported outcome measures. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the available evidence on oral health‐related quality of life of fully and partially dentate patients rehabilitated with fixed and removable implant‐supported dental prostheses. A comprehensive electronic search was performed on publications in English up to 2021. A selection of standardized questionnaires and scales used for the evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life were analyzed and explained. The analysis encompassed three aspects: a functional evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life, an esthetic assessment of oral health‐related quality of life, and a cost‐related evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life for rehabilitation with dental implants. The data demonstrated that the preoperative expectations of patients markedly affected the outcomes perceived by the patients. As expected, reconstructions supported by implants substantially improved the stability of conventional dentures and allowed improved function and patient satisfaction. However, from a patient's perspective, oral health‐related quality of life was not significantly greater for dental implants compared with conventional tooth‐supported prostheses. The connection of the implants to the prostheses with locators or balls indicated high oral health‐related quality of life. The data also suggest that patient expectation is not a good predictor of treatment outcome. In terms of esthetic outcomes, the data clearly indicate that patients’ perceptions and clinicians' assessments differed, with those of clinicians yielding higher standards. There were no significant differences found between the esthetic oral health‐related quality of life ratings for soft tissue‐level implants compared with those for bone‐level implants. Comparison of all‐ceramic and metal‐ceramic restorations showed no significant differences in patients’ perceptions in terms of esthetic outcomes. Depending on the choice of outcome measure and financial marginal value, supporting a conventional removable partial denture with implants is cost‐effective when the patient is willing to invest more to achieve a higher oral health‐related quality of life. In conclusion, the oral health‐related quality of life of patients rehabilitated with implant‐supported dental prostheses did not show overall superiority over conventional prosthetics. Clinicians' and patients' evaluations, especially of esthetic outcomes, are, in the majority of cases, incongruent. Nevertheless, patient‐reported outcomes are important in the evaluation of function, esthetics, and the cost‐effectiveness of treatment with implant‐supported dental prostheses, and should be taken into consideration in daily practice.

A simple and innovative low cost technique for fabricating magnet retained overdentures- A case report

Various attachments have been used in overdentures to increase the retention. Application of rare earth magnets such as Sm-Co and Nd-Fe-B, for improving retention have been widely used in the field of prosthodontics, as they can be manufactured in small dimensions as retentive devices for complete dentures, removable partial dentures, obturators and maxillofacial prosthesis. However they are expensive as these attachments are not manufactured locally, so they increase the cost of treatment hence cannot be afforded by all patients. This article presents a simple and cost-efficient method of fabricating mandibular over denture retained by magnets in a patient whose mandibular residual ridge was severely resorbed with few remaining teeth and opposed by maxillary conventional removable partial denture.

Attachment-Retained Unilateral Partial Denture versus Tooth Implant-Supported Prosthesis in Mandibular Distal Extension Cases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate patients’ satisfaction, biting force measurement, and radiographic evaluation of abutment teeth of tooth implant-supported fixed partial denture, unilateral attachment, and conventional partial denture in mandibular distal extension cases. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four participants were selected according to the following criteria: participants with unilateral mandibular distal extension with last standing second premolar abutment; participants having abutments with sufficient occluso-gingival height and good periodontal condition. Participants were divided into the following three equal groups: participants of the implant group received fixed tooth implant-supported fixed partial dentures, attachment group participants received unilateral attachment removable partial dentures, and conventional group participants received conventional removable partial dentures. The evaluation included patient satisfaction using “OHIP14” questionnaires, biting force measurement, and radiographic evaluation of terminal abutments using the ANOVA test. Results: Participants of the implant group were mainly satisfied with their prosthesis than the attachment group, which is higher than the conventional. Regarding biting force measurement, there is a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between all groups, including the implant group and attachment group, as well as between attachment and conventional group (p &lt; 0.05). The conventional group showed statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) highest mean bone loss, while there was no statistically significant difference between implant and attachment groups; both showed statistically significantly lower mean amounts of bone loss. Conclusion: The tooth implant-supported fixed prosthesis could be considered a superior line of treatment for managing distal extension cases. Unilateral attachment, which is considered an excellent alternative in the case of implant placement, is not recommended.

Management of recurrent fracture of single removable complete denture using stainless steel mesh reinforced denture base opposing a removable partial denture: A case report

Midline fracture is the most common fracture seen in the patient with conventional acrylic resin maxillary denture against the opposing complete or partial natural dentition. This happens due to excessive masticatory forces from the natural dentition against the opposing arch. To overcome this problem, stainless steel can be added either in the form of mesh, bar or plate. In this present case report described the prosthetic rehabilitation of a complete maxillary edentulous and partial mandibular edentulous patient with stainless steel mesh reinforced maxillary removable complete denture and conventional removable partial denture to improve the impact strength of the denture and also at the same time to reduce the chances of alveolar ridge resorption.

Sometimes conventional removable partial denture is the only remedy!

Management of partially edentulous patients can still be a prosthodontic challenge especially for extensive maxillary Kennedy Class I. Replacing the missing teeth using conventional fixed and removable partial dentures (FPD/RPDs) associated with extracoronal attachments remains sometimes the only remedy for partial edentulism. The use of osseointegrated dental implants turn the possibilities of prosthetic reconstruction endless, but what about patients with absolute contraindication of surgery. It is therefore the objective of this article to describe the treatment sequence and technique for the use of attachments in therapy combining FPD/RPD.

A systematic review of digital removable partial dentures. Part II: CAD/CAM framework, artificial teeth, and denture base.

This study comprehensively reviewed the current status of the digital workflow of removable partial dentures (RPDs) and summarized information about the fabrication methods and material properties of the dental framework, artificial teeth, and denture base. We performed a systematic review of the literature published in online databases from January 1980 to April 2020 regarding RPD fabrication and materials used in the related digital technology. We selected eligible articles, retrieved information regarding digital RPDs, and conducted qualitative/quantitative analyses. In this paper, the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) framework, artificial teeth, and denture base materials are reported. A variety of materials, such as cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium, zirconia, and polyether ether ketone, are used for dental CAD/CAM frameworks. The mechanical strength of the metal materials used for the CAD/CAM framework was superior to that of the cast framework. However, the fitness and surface roughness of the framework and clasp fabricated using a selective laser melting (SLM) method were not superior to those obtained via cast fabrication. Most material properties and the surface roughness of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) discs used for digital RPDs were superior to those of heat-cured PMMA. The use of a CAD/CAM framework and PMMA disc for digital RPDs offers numerous advantages over conventional RPDs. However, technical challenges regarding the accuracy and durability of adhesion between the framework and denture base remain to be solved. In digital fabrication, human technical factors influence the quality of the framework.

Mechanical Evaluation of Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures in Kennedy Class I Patients: Finite Element Design Considerations

The main purpose of this work was to construct a clinically valid numerical model of a mandibular Kennedy class I patient rehabilitated with a conventional removable partial denture and another two with implant-assisted removable partial dentures at two different implant locations. The selected patient was classified as ASA I and its mandible geometry reconstruction was performed by the conversion of the Cone-Beam computed Tomography (CBCT) scan raw medical data into a 3D model and subsequent conversion to a CAD file by reverse engineering methods. The soft tissue and removable denture geometries were also included in the CAD model as well as implants, ball attachments and matrix. Moreover, periodontal ligament was modelled by offsetting the mesh of the root surface of each tooth. The finite element results showed that the installation of a dental implant in each of the bilateral edentulous regions helps providing support and retention to the extension bases of the Removable Partial Denture (RPD) and significantly reduces the vertical and anterior-posterior displacements, regardless of its position.

Laboratory efficiency of additive manufacturing for removable denture frameworks: A literature-based review.

The purpose of this literature review was to verify the laboratory efficiency of additive manufacturing (AM) systems for removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks. All available relevant articles in English published from 1990 to 2020 were found by searching online databases and by hand research. A total of 17 articles dealt with the surface roughness, fitness accuracy, and retentive forces of AM frameworks. The surface roughness of AM was inferior to that of casting and milling. Whether conventional cast or AM RPD frameworks had superior fitness accuracy could not be clarified. As compared with casting and AM, milling enabled the fabrication of RPD clasps with comparable or better fitness accuracy. Over time, AM clasps had retentive force values of superior consistency as compared with those of conventional cast clasps. Clasps fabricated by repeated laser sintering and high-speed milling could obtain smoother surfaces and more suitable retention than those of AM clasps.

Considerações biomecânicas sobre suporte, retenção e estabilidade em prótese parcial removível convencional: uma revisão narrativa da literatura

OBJETIVO: objetivou-se apresentar considerações biomecânicas sobre suporte, retenção e estabilidade em prótese parcial removível convencional, por meio de uma revisão narrativa da literatura. METODOLOGIA: Nesta revisão narrativa da literatura, buscou-se a literatura através de bases de dados como Google Acadêmico, BVS, Scielo, Pubmed e literatura especializada sobre o tema, como livros; utilizando os termos-chaves Biomecânica (biomechanical) e Prótese Parcial Removível (removable partial dentures). Como critérios de inclusão foram considerados estudos que abordassem biomecânica de PPR convencionais, ou seja, a grampo; enquanto os critérios de exclusão comtemplaram estudos que abordassem o uso de PPR não convencionais, como prótese com attachements e PPR com uso de implantes. A cronologia da literatura não foi um critério de seleção adotado, devido à escassa abordagem do tema nas bases de dados. Buscou-se literatura nos idiomas inglês e português, e as buscas foram realizadas no período de junho de 2020. RESULTADOS: As bases de dados BVS, Scielo, Pubmed não apresentaram nenhum estudo com os unitermos utilizados na busca bibliográfica; 04 artigos e 01 monografia de especialização foram selecionados no Google Acadêmico publicados entre 1970 e 2017, e 05 livros também foram selecionados, por serem os mais relevantes sobre prótese parcial removível disponíveis no país. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O estudo biomecânico da prótese parcial removível convencional deve ser conduzido com base no suporte, retenção e estabilidade; quando identificadas características clínicas que interfiram em mecanismos de retenção e estabilidade, faz-se necessária a adoção de estratégias para minimizar a movimentação da prótese. Tais estratégias dão maior recobrimento à área chapeável, montagem até 1° molar, ajuste oclusal com forças dirigidas ao longo eixo dos dentes artificiais, desoclusão dos dentes posteriores em lateralidade e protusão; retentores indiretos localizados o mais distante da linha de fulcro.

Teaching the Design and Fabrication of RPD Frameworks With a Digital Workflow: A Preclinical Dental Exercise.

IntroductionThe conventional method for teaching removable partial denture (RPD) design using a pencil drawing on a solid cast has always been the basis for teaching RPD design in most dental schools at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This does not apply to RPD fabrication technology, as more laboratories have recently adopted more efficient and versatile digital techniques to design and fabricate RPD frameworks.MethodsAt the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, we created a pilot workshop to assess the efficiency of a new approach to teaching RPD design utilizing this new digital RPD technology as a teaching tool for graduate prosthodontics residents. Three first-year prosthodontics residents were enrolled in the workshop, which involved learning the new digital workflow of designing RPD.ResultsThis new teaching approach very successfully achieved its educational goals. The residents reported that the digital RPD teaching approach enriched their knowledge and deepened their understanding of RPD design.DiscussionThe technique garnered significant interest from the students and seemed to also increase their understanding of the steps involved in RPD fabrication as well as the different components of the RPD.

A within-subject comparison of the conventional clasp-retained with attachment-retained removable partial dentures

ObjectiveThis study conducted to satisfaction with conventional clasp-retained and attachment-retained removable partial dentures (RPDs) among patients with partially edentulous maxilla. MethodsThe crossover trial recruited 10 patients with bilateral free-end partially edentulous maxilla who received a conventional RPD for 3 months, followed by an attachment-retained removable partial denture (ARRPD) for another 3 months. There was no washout period between the two interventions. During follow-up, patients were requested to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire. This 9-item validated questionnaire measured patient satisfaction with the ease of cleaning, ability to speak, comfort, aesthetics, stability, ability to masticate different types of food, masticatory efficiency, oral condition, and general satisfaction. ResultsThe comparison of the two treatment modalities showed significantly higher satisfaction with the ARRPD than with the conventional RPD. The ARRPD was preferred due to the ease to clean, speech, comfort, aesthetics, stability, masticatory ability, and masticatory efficiency (p < .05). ConclusionThe study showed higher short-term satisfaction rates in patients with ARRPDs than with the conventional clasp-retained RPDs. The superior aesthetics of ARRPDs are recognized in conjunction with the restoration of the partially edentulous maxilla.