Flexible, Esthetic Partial Dentures
Course Objectives
This article shows the placement of three types of partial dentures, fabricated for a single case, to illustrate the esthetic characteristics of each. Practitioners that complete the presentation will know the following:
Summary
The design and function of partial dentures were taught in dental school but esthetic issues were ignored. Rapid
advances in esthetic materials and techniques in the fixed prosthodontic arena have lead patients to expect esthetic
results when replacing their missing teeth with a removable prosthesis.
When constructing partial dentures, ValplastŪ may be used without metal, in combination with metal, and as a
unilateral Valplast partial denture with or without metal. The many benefits of Valplast notwithstanding, there are some
specific contraindications that are better served with a traditional cast metal partial. Even so, for first time partial wearers
in particular, there is no better partial denture available in most cases.
CAUTION: When viewing the techniques, procedures, theories and materials that are presented, you must make your own
decisions about specific treatment for patients and exercise personal professional judgement regarding the need for further
clinical testing or education and your own clinical expertise before trying to implement new procedures.
References
Houking R. Materie plastiche (plastic materials). (Italian) Hoepli, 1945.
Meridiani B. Fabrication of plastic materials. (Italian) Hoepli, 1944.
Palazzzi, S. Terapia dentaria e odontotecnica. Ambrosiana, 1947.
Rohdiatoce Soc. Injection molding of polyamides. (Italian) Rhodiatoce, Milan, 1950.
Fournier M. The era of plastic materials. (French) Amphora, 1951.
Hopff M. Die polyamide. (German) Springer Verlag, 1950.
Meda L. Test on Valplast at the Torino Polytechnic. (Italian) 1954
Bruscotti A. Technical laboratory manual. (Italian) Metallografico, 1951.