State of Libya

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

University of Elmergib
Faculty of medical technology- maslata

Title of the research: Principles of partial denture

design.

By the student:
Israa Mohamed Aljaly

Supervised by:
Dr. Osama Hander

Spring 2024
Introduction
Partial denture design is a specialized area within prosthodontics dedicated to
replacing missing teeth and revitalizing oral function, aesthetics, and well-being.
This discipline integrates expertise in dental anatomy, biomechanics, materials
science, and patient-focused care to craft personalized dental prosthetics that meet
individual patient requirements.

Designing partial dentures demands a deep understanding of oral structures,

encompassing the remaining natural teeth, edentulous areas, supporting tissues,
and adjacent muscles. The overarching objective is to strike a harmonious
equilibrium between functionality, stability, retention, and aesthetics, all while
prioritizing patient comfort and contentment.

The principles of partial denture design refer to the fundamental guidelines and
considerations that guide the creation and fabrication of partial dentures in
prosthodontics. These principles encompass a comprehensive approach to
replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function, aesthetics, and health. They
integrate knowledge of dental anatomy, biomechanics, materials science, and
patient-centered care to ensure the development of customized dental prostheses
tailored to individual patient needs.

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Types.

1. Cast Metal Partial Dentures: These are made with a metal framework,
typically cobalt-chromium or gold alloy, and offer durability and strength.
They are designed to be thin, lightweight, and provide excellent support and
retention.

2. Acrylic Partial Dentures: Also known as "flipper" dentures, these are made
from acrylic resin and are a more affordable option. They are suitable for
temporary use or as transitional prostheses during healing or before
definitive treatment.

3. Flexible Partial Dentures: Made from a flexible thermoplastic material,

such as nylon, these dentures offer a more comfortable and aesthetic
alternative, adapting well to the natural contours of the mouth. They are
particularly suitable for patients allergic to metal or those with irregular or
sensitive oral anatomy.

4. Implant-Supported Partial Dentures: These dentures are anchored to

dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing enhanced
stability, support, and retention. They offer a more permanent solution and
are particularly beneficial for patients with multiple missing teeth and
sufficient bone volume.

. Usage

RPD may be used when there is a lack of required teeth to serve as support for a
bridge (i.e. distal abutments) or financial limitations. A single-tooth RPD known as
a "flipper tooth" may be used temporarily after a tooth is extracted, during the
several months it takes to complete the placement of a dental implant and crown.

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Advantages of using RPD include:

 Reduced encroachment on existing teeth

 Replacement of a greater number of missing teeth

 Easily removed for cleaning and hygiene maintenance

 Fairly simple to fix/replace the prosthesis if damaged

 Modifications can be made to the prosthesis in some cases following

additional tooth loss

Disadvantages of using RPD include:

 Limited stability whilst in function

 Significant coverage even in cases where few teeth require replacement in

order to maximise retention

 Visible components depending on teeth needing replacement

 Potential risk to the health of remaining teeth due to plaque accumulation or

trauma

Design
Prior to designing partial dentures a complete examination is undertaken to assess
the condition of remaining teeth. This may involve radiographs, sensibility testing
or other assessments. From this examination and assessment of occlusion (occlusal
plane, drifting, tilting of teeth and surveyed articulated casts) the designing of
partial dentures can begin. Information from previous dentures can be very useful
in deciding which features to keep the same and which features of the design to
change – in the hope of making an improvement.[8]

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Stages of partial denture design

A systematic design process should be followed:

 The teeth to be replaced must be decided.

 The soft tissue to be replaced (flange) is then drawn.

 The major connector is selected from a list of options (the options available
will depend on the above assessment).

 Retentive features of the denture must be decided – these may include

clasps, guide planes and indirect retention (often important in dentures
involving Kennedy Class 1 and Class 2 saddles).

 Supportive features are then decided – these prevent the denture sinking into
the soft tissue; often the natural teeth can take some of the loading (rest seats
and connector coverage).[9]

However, this is not always possible. Support may thus be tooth-borne, mucosal
borne or a combination of tooth and mucosal borne.

 The denture should where possible have features that withstand horizontal
movement (bracing) and the clasps should have appropriate reciprocation.

 The denture base material (usually acrylic or cobalt-chromium) and

materials of the various components must be selected.

 The hygiene of the prosthesis must be appropriate trying where possible to

minimise the soft tissues coverage.

The design should be reviewed and simplified removing unnecessary components.

Once the partial denture has been designed, the shade and mould of the
replacement teeth can be selected. Within the design process (and prior to the

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master impression stage of denture construction), modifications may be suggested
to teeth. This may be undertaken to create occlusal space for rest seats or to create
undercuts for the placement of clasps (such as addition of composite resin) or to
create guide planes for easier insertion and removal of the denture

Components

Rather than lying entirely on the edentulous ridge like complete dentures,
removable partial dentures possess clasps of cobalt-chrome or titanium metal or
plastic that "clip" onto the remaining teeth, making the RPD more stable and
retentive.
The parts of an RPD can be listed as follows (and are exemplified by the picture
above):
 Major connector (The thick metal "U" in the RPD image above is a lingual
bar, a type of major connector)
o Anterior-posterior palatal strap
o Single palatal strap
o U-shaped palatal connector (Horseshoe)
o Lingual bar
o Lingual plate
 Minor connector (See the small struts protruding from the lingual bar at
roughly 90 degree angles.)
 Direct retainer (Examples are in the upper left of upper photo and lower
right of lower photo; the clasp arms act to hug the teeth and keep the RPD in
place. The metal clasp and rest immediately adjacent to the denture teeth is
also a direct retainer.)
 Indirect retainer (An example is the little metal piece coming off the "U" at
a 90 degree angle near the top of the upper photo, which is a cingulum rest
on a canine.)
o Physical retainer (This is a mesh of metal that allows the pink base
material to connect to the metal framework of the RPD. Some
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 consider physical retainers their own component (making a total of
seven), while others consider them within the indirect retainer
category (thus making a total of six components.)
 Base (the pink material, mimicking gingiva)
 Teeth (plastic or porcelain formed in the shape of teeth)

Anatomy and Physiology

Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity is paramount in
partial denture design. This knowledge encompasses the dentition, supporting
structures, such as the alveolar ridges and mucosa, and the surrounding muscles
and nerves. A thorough understanding allows dental professionals to design a
partial denture that harmoniously integrates with the natural oral structures,
ensuring optimal fit, comfort, and function.

Retention
Retention is crucial in partial denture design to prevent the denture from dislodging
during normal oral functions like chewing and speaking. Various retentive
mechanisms, such as clasps, precision attachments, and implant-supported
solutions, are employed to achieve adequate retention. The design of clasps, in
particular, requires careful consideration to engage undercuts effectively without
causing tissue irritation or compromising oral health.

Support
Proper support for the partial denture is essential to distribute occlusal forces
evenly across the remaining natural teeth and edentulous ridges. This even
distribution helps prevent tissue overloading, bone resorption, and other
complications. Achieving optimal support requires meticulous denture base design

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and accurate impression-taking to capture the anatomical nuances of the oral
structures.

Stability
Stability refers to the resistance of the denture against horizontal and rotational
movements during function. Enhancing stability involves designing the denture
base to cover a maximum area of the edentulous ridge, employing functional and
balanced occlusion, and considering patient-specific factors like muscle function
and oral habits. Stability is paramount in ensuring patient comfort and preventing
denture-related complications.

Esthetics
The esthetic aspect of partial denture design plays a significant role in restoring the
patient's smile, confidence, and overall self-esteem. Tooth selection, arrangement,
and shade matching are critical in achieving a natural-looking smile that
complements the patient's facial features and smile line. Advanced techniques and
materials allow for customization and personalization, ensuring esthetic harmony
with the patient's remaining dentition.

Function
Restoring proper masticatory function, phonetics, and articulation is a primary goal
in partial denture design. The design should facilitate efficient chewing, clear
speech, and comfortable jaw movements, allowing the patient to eat, speak, and
smile with confidence. Achieving functional harmony involves meticulous occlusal
adjustments, tooth arrangement, and bite registration techniques tailored to
individual patient needs.

Biocompatibility

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The materials used in partial denture fabrication must be biocompatible to ensure
minimal tissue irritation, allergic reactions, or adverse oral responses. Common
materials include acrylic resins for the denture base and porcelain or acrylic teeth
for tooth replacement. Research and advancements in materials science continue to
enhance the biocompatibility, durability, and longevity of denture materials under
oral conditions.

Ease of Maintenance

Ease of maintenance is essential in partial denture design to promote good oral

hygiene and prolong the denture's lifespan. Smooth surfaces, proper contours, and
accessible areas facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing the risk of
plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and other oral health issues. Patient
education on proper denture care, cleaning techniques, and regular dental check-
ups are crucial in ensuring optimal maintenance and oral health.

Patient Comfort
Patient comfort is paramount in partial denture design, influencing the denture's
acceptance, adaptation, and overall satisfaction. Minimizing bulkiness, ensuring
proper fit, and addressing any pressure points or areas of irritation during the try-in
and adjustment phases are essential in enhancing patient comfort. Open
communication, patient-centered care, and empathy play a vital role in
understanding and addressing individual patient needs and concerns.

Patient Education
Educating the patient about the care, maintenance, and potential adjustments
needed for their partial denture is crucial for long-term success and patient
satisfaction. Empowering patients with knowledge and guidance on oral hygiene

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practices, dietary considerations, and regular follow-ups ensures their active
participation in maintaining optimal oral health and denture performance.

In conclusion, partial denture design is a complex and multidisciplinary endeavor

that requires a comprehensive understanding of dental anatomy, biomechanics,
materials science, and patient-centered care. By adhering to these fundamental
principles and integrating evidence-based practices, dental professionals can create
effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing partial dentures that significantly
improve the quality of life for patients with missing teeth. Continuous research,
innovation, and professional development are essential in advancing partial denture
design and enhancing patient outcomes in prosthodontic care.

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References
1. Carr, Alan B. (2015-11-06). McCracken's removable partial
prosthodontics. Brown, David T. (David Theodore),, Revision of
(expression): Carr, Alan B., Preceded by (work): McCracken, William L.
(Thirteenth ed.). St. Louis, Mo. ISBN 978-0-323-33991-
9. OCLC 935538663.

2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e
Tyson, K. W. (Kenneth W.) (2007). Understanding
partial denture design. Yemm, Robert., Scott, B. J. J. (Brendan J. J.).
Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-851092-
5. OCLC 77797888.

3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d
Carr 2016, p. 16-20.

4. ^ Şakar 2016, p. 17.

5. ^ Oliver C. Applegate. 1949. Essentials of partial denture prosthesis.

6. ^ Davis Henderson; Victor L. Steffel. 1973. McCracken's Removable

partial prosthodontics. 4th Ed.

7. ^ Fayad, MostafaI; Baig, MohamedN; Alrawaili, AbdulrazaqM (2016-12-

01). "Prevalence and pattern of partial edentulism among dental patients
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S191. doi:10.4103/2231-0762.197189. PMC 5285593. PMID 28217535.

8. ^ Rosenstiel, Stephen F. (2015-09-18). Contemporary fixed prosthodontics.

Land, Martin F.,, Fujimoto, Junhei (Fifth ed.). St. Louis,
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