A comparative study between thermoplastic and conventional removable partial denture designs

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent)Three dental laboratories in the Cape Town Metropole that were known to fabricate “flexible” or NMCDs for dental practices were identified and were invited to participate in the study. Their participation consisted of emailing photographs of completed metal-frame, acrylic and flexible RPDs and their casts prior to sending them to the practices for delivery to patients. Specimens were collected until a total of 20 metal-frame, 20 acrylic resin and 20 flexible RPDs were received. A design was drawn for each submitted RPD. For each RPD, an “ideal” design was drawn, using the image of the cast. This was done by two observers, who are experienced members of staff in the Department of Restorative Dentistry (Prosthetics), independently. The designs from both observers were later compared for similarity. Where differences existed in the designs, these were resolved by means of discussion until agreement was reached. Each ideal design served as the control for each clinical design.The number of rests, their configuration, the type of support, number of clasps, the presence of indirect retention, cross-arch stabilization, the number of teeth whose periodontal tissues were covered by design components for each design among the different denture type groups, and corresponding control designs were identified and reported. The ratios of teeth replaced/teeth covered per denture type groups and per classification, and corresponding control designs were compared

Conformity of removable partial denture designs to agreed principles based on materials used - A preliminary study

Removable partial denture (RPD) designs may differ based on types of materials used. The aim of the study was to investigate how a sample of non-metal clasp (NMC), acrylic and metal RPD designs complied with biomechanical design principles. This cross-sectional study examined 60 clinical designs of NMC, acrylic and metal RPDs at 3 commercial dental laboratories in the Cape Town Metropole, at the stage when the dentures were ready for transport to dentists

Managing vertical dimensions in patients with Amelogenesis Imperfecta: A case report

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a heterogeneous group of conditions character-ized by inherited developmental defects of enamel. Patients with AI often have progressive and severe loss of occlusal vertical dimensions (OVD), resulting in challenging dental rehabilitation. In this case report, we present the management of a 24- year- old male patient who previously underwent orthodontics, direct and indirect restorations, and continued to have progressive tooth wear. His vertical dimensions were restored in two phases, firstly with provisional restorations at the improved OVD, followed by a combination of monolithic zirconia and lith-ium disilicate full- coverage crowns. A removable acrylic appliance was then con-structed to protect his teeth